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MEMOIR 



MRS. CATHARINE M. DIMMICK. 



BY L. F. DIMMICK, 

PASTOR OF THE NORTH CHURCH, NE^VBURYPORT. 



' Lite makes the soul dependent on the dust ; 
Death gives her wings to mount above the spheres.' 




BOSTON : 

PUBLISHED BY T. R. MARVIN. 

1846. 



J] 5 Us 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1846, 

By T. R. Marvin, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



£ h X ^ 



OF THE 

NORTH CHURCH AND SOCIETY, NEWBURYPORT, 

THIS MEMOIR 

IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, 

BY 

THE AUTHOR, 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introductory Remarks — Her Birth and Parentage — Early 
Developements of Character — Death of her Father — 
Mother — The Breaking up of the Family, and her resi- 
dence with her Uncle — Her School — Change of residence, 9 

CHAPTER II. 

Her Baptism — Early Religious Impressions — Conversion 
— Public Profession of Religion — Private Covenant with 
God — Her Pastor's Death — The Active Character of her 
Religion — Spheres in which she particularly endeavored 
to be useful — Her School — The Family — The Sabbath 
School — Visits to the Aims-House, 16 

CHAPTER III. 

Passages from her Journal, 1S13— 1S20, .... 37 

CHAPTER IV. 

Her Marriage — The Views with which she entered on the 
duties of her new station, 77 

CHAPTER V. 

The province of Woman — Mrs. Dimmick's domestic vir- 
tues — Her special qualifications for a Clergyman's Wife, 82 



8 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VI. 
Passages from her Journal, 1820—1829, . . . .99 

CHAPTER VI!. 

Her Love to her Kindred — Reference to her Letters to her 
Brother — Her Sister's sickness and death, . . . 122 

CHAPTER VIII. 

A Journey in the spring and summer of 1829 — Extracts 
from Letters to her Husband during his absence in 1830, 131 

CHAPTER IX. 

Extracts of Letters to a Hesitating Inquirer — Some further 
Letters on kindred subjects, ...... 149 

CHAPTER X. 

A severe Sickness in 1831 — The Death of her last Sister 
— Her notices of Revivals of Religion in 1831, and sub- 
sequently, ......... 159 

CHAPTER XI. 

Family Letters — Letters to other Friends, . . . . 266 

CHAPTER XII. 

Her last Sickness and Death — Her Character — Tributes to 
her Memory, 189 



MEMOIR. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introductory Remarks — Her Birth and Parentage — Early Developements 
of Character — Death ofher Father — Mother — The Breaking up of the 
Family, and her Residence with her Uncle • — Her School — Change of 
Residence. 

A human being is an existence of great value, " cre- 
ated in the image of God." It is appointed to act a great 
part ; to enter into the views and plans of God, and 
labor to promote them ; and when it shall have accom- 
plished its work, and shall receive in the end, from the 
sovereign Judge, the plaudit, " Well done, good and 
faithful servant ; thou hast been faithful over a few things, 
I will make thee ruler over many things ; enter thou into 
the joy of thy Lord;" it will have attained to a great end. 
It is difficult to write of such an existence, and write 
worthily ; tracing from the beginning its developement ; 
the impediments it has encountered ; the temptations it 
has resisted ; the providences of God which have favored 
it ; the grace that has saved it ; the manner in which it 
has performed its duties, borne its burdens, met its 
last conflict, and passed away to immortality. Even the 
2 



10 MEMOIR. 

first openings of such an existence, have interest. The 
bud contains in it a correspondence to the flower, the 
fruit ; the germ, to the tree. At the close, when the part 
appointed has been acted well, angels admire ; and fellow 
mortals may ponder with profit and with praise. 

The subject of the following Memoir, Miss Catharine 
Mather Marvin, was born in the city of Norwich, Ct., 
January 27, 1793. Her parents were Elihu and Eliza- 
beth Marvin. 

Catharine was the youngest of five daughters. The 
children^ were six in number, and all daughters, except 
the last. In childhood, according to the accounts given 
by herself and her sisters, she had a slender consti- 
tution. Great care was requisite in protecting and 
nurturing so frail a plant, to rear it up to maturity. Still 
she was sprightly. The mental developement was much 
in advance of the physical. She was intellectual, fond of 
reading, loved poetry, and showed a lively imagination. 
With these traits of character, — though the delicacy of her 
health deprived her of some of the advantages of the 
schools during her early years, her nature needing 
sedatives rather than stimulants, — she made good profi- 
ciency in knowledge. Her education was extensively a 
home education, and, more than is usually the case, a self- 
education. A native thirst for knowledge quickened 
research, and rendered its acquisition easy. She was 
ardent in her attachments, and dutiful. 

At the age of a little more than five years, she lost her 
father. His place was supplied to the family, in part, 
by Mrs. Marvin's father, Dr. Theophilus Rogers, for 
about three years, till his death. At the age of a little 
less than sixteen, she lost her mother, and was thus left 
entirely an orphan, 



MEMOIR. 11 

Her father had been connected with the patriotic army 
of the Revolution, in which he had held a commission. 
He was a physician by profession, and highly respected as 
a medical practitioner, and also for the general excellences 
of his character. The following tribute was paid to his 
worth by a cotemporary fellow-citizen at the time of his 
decease. " September 13, 1798. Departed this life, on 
Friday morning, in the forty-fifth year of his age, of the 
yellow fever, General Elihu Marvin, whose enlightened 
understanding, whose philanthropic heart, whose pure 
principles, whose regular deportment and domestic vir- 
tues, distinguished his character. While society regret 
his loss as a citizen, all his acquaintances lament a friend. 
Though misfortune had shaded his life, it had not stained 
his integrity. He had improved by its painful instruction, 
and fell at a moment when prosperity was dawning upon 
him." 

Her grandfather was also a physician, residing in Nor- 
wich. The following notice of his decease, appeared in 
the papers of the day. " September 24, 1801. Departed 
this life on Thursday last, after a long and distressing 
sickness, Dr. Theophilus Rogers, aged 70. Through the 
course of a long life devoted to the good of mankind in 
the practice of physic, he uniformly merited the character 
of an honest man, a valuable citizen, an eminent physi- 
cian ; his death is sensibly felt, and universally regretted 
by his friends and the public in general." 

Her mother was originally Elizabeth Rogers, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Theophilus Rogers, and a descendant, like 
others of that name in this country, from John Rogers 
the martyr. She was "a woman of a strong mind," 
" amiable and universally beloved by her acquaintances," 
during the latter part of her life a professed Christian, 
and " walked worthy of her vocation." 



12 MEMOIR. 

Miss Marvin was also, by her father's side, a descend- 
ant of the Mather family of Dorchester ; in recognition of 
which was her middle name, Mather. 

Soon after the death of her mother — the first of February 
following — the family was broken up, and Catharine was 
received into the family of an uncle, Benjamin Snow, 
Esq., of Norwich, who discharged the office of guardian 
to her in a kind, honorable, and faithful manner. Inherit- 
ing but little patrimony, she was of necessity, even at this 
early age, thrown, in no inconsiderable degree, upon 
her own resources. This, however, instead of being an 
injury, was of use to her, teaching her, from the be- 
ginning of active life, to depend much on herself, and 
aiding, doubtless, to form the character which she after- 
wards exhibited. Some spirits are crushed by difficulties 
and responsibilities. Others make them a means of de- 
velopement and maturity. 

Of her residence in the family of her uncle and guard- 
ian, he himself gives the following testimony. " Catharine 
commenced her residence in my family at the age of 
sixteen years, and continued eight years with us, without 
a blemish in her deportment. She was truly amiable, 
always kind and affectionate to all the inmates of the 
family. She was remarkable for accomplishing much in 
a little time. She was never known to be idle. When 
reading, her hands would often be employed in some other 
avocation, such as could be pursued while mental 
improvement was the main object. In this way she 
early read Rollin's Ancient History, and many other 
works." 

Miss Marvin ever retained a grateful recollection of the 
kindness received from the family of her uncle. Thirty 
years afterward, June 13, 1842, she says : " I have many 
tender feelings towards them. A very important part of 



MEMOIR. 13 

my earthly pilgrimage was spent beneath their roof. I 
can never forget it. It lies, indeed, far back in the dis- 
tance ; yet I often, through the vista of the years that 
have rolled away, catch many a scene most vividly." 

The incipient endeavors of human beings to take care 
of themselves, however feeble, are fraught with interest, as 
indicative of character, and as the first in a train of re- 
sults, by which the value of life itself is to be estimated. 
In this view, Miss Marvin's first essay is not unworthy to 
be noticed. 

At the age of a little less than seventeen, in the autumn 
of 1809, she opened a select school for young misses. 
This she did, not simply for the pecuniary consideration, 
though there was occasion for it on that account. But it 
was congenial to her nature, and accorded with the gene- 
ral energy of her character, to be active in some employ- 
ment. In this school, of her own gathering, she con- 
tinued till the autumn of 1815, about six years. Not 
much has been learned in regard to her methods of in- 
struction ; nor is it known that there was any thing very 
peculiar in her proceeding. She had the talent of 
awakening, eminently, in her scholars, interest in their 
pursuits. Numbers of them continued with her through 
several years. Mrs. S. L. Smith, who died in connection 
with the Palestine mission a few years since, was one of 
her pupils. " She was in the habit," says one who be- 
longed to the number, " of giving an address to her 
scholars, every Saturday, in which the deportment of each 
during the week was noticed, in such a way as to correct 
their faults, and encourage every effort they had made for 
improvement." In general, she discharged the duties of 
a teacher, says one, " to the entire satisfaction of the 
parents and friends of the scholars," and in a mariner 
" highly approved by the public at large." A friend has 
2* 



14 MEMOIR. 

mentioned some of her habits at this time, particu- 
larly the habit of early rising. Even in the winter she 
rose often at four o'clock for reading and study. This 
she did, that she might more thoroughly prepare herself 
for teaching ; adding to her other efforts prayer for suc- 
cess, and for the moral qualifications which she felt to be 
needful. 

She remembered her labors among her "little friends," 
as she sometimes called her pupils, with deep interest 
through her whole subsequent life. She loved to follow 
them in their various ways, and hear of their pros- 
perity ; and especially did it give her joy to learn of any 
of them, that they had " chosen the good part," and were 
devoting their lives to Christ, and to usefulness in the 
world. She would think, in regard to such, that perhaps 
her own early endeavors had constituted at least a particle 
of the influence which had led to the joyful result ; and 
it was a high satisfaction. In a letter to a friend, Nov. 
18, 1829, she says, "On looking back, I can see that 
many of the dear children who were once my pupils, 
have become, as is hoped, the children of God. I dare 
trace no connection between the two things ; but it is a 
sweet thought, that it is so — that they have become recon- 
ciled to God through the blood of his Son." Would that 
young ladies, more extensively, would see in the business 
of teaching, an employment of high honor and utility. 
Faithfully performed, it will yield pleasure through subse- 
quent life, and eternal consequences of peace and joy. 
To benefit the minds which God has made, is to do a 
work for immortality. 

In the spring of 1815, Miss Marvin became a resident 
in the family of Richard Adams, Esq., of Norwich, as a 
companion to Mrs. Adams, and an assistant to her, par- 
ticularly in the care and education of her children, some 



MEMOIR. 15 

of whom had been her pupils. In a short time she relin- 
quished her school, that she might give her undivided 
attention to the new duties she had assumed. In this 
situation she continued till her marriage, in the spring of 
1820. Of this period, a letter from a member of the 
family says, " To the children she was ever kind and 
attentive ; at the same time she was a beloved com- 
panion to all the older members of the household." 

To Mrs. Adams she afterwards wrote, Aug. 27, 1820, 
" I shall never cease to feel an interest in you and your 
family, as I must ever with gratitude recollect numerous 
favors and kindnesses received from you." And again, 
Sept. 4, 1821 : "My obligation to you for many kindnesses 
does not diminish at all in my esteem since I have been 
favored by a good Providence with a home of my own." 



CHAPTER II. 

Her Baptism — Early Religious Impressions — Conversion — Public Pro- 
fession of Religion — Private Covenant with God — Her Pastor's Death 
— The Active Character of her Religion — Spheres in which she par- 
ticularly endeavored to be useful — Her School — The Family — The 
Sabbath School — Visits to the Aims-House. 

The various discipline with which Miss Marvin 
had been exercised, had not been in vain in regard 
to her spiritual interests. Devoted to God in baptism a 
little after her father's death, her mother then first be- 
coming a communicant in the church,* she was carefully 
instructed in the principles and duties of Christianity. 
She remembered her baptism with interest, and looked, 
ever after, upon the sanctuary where it was performed, 
and the pastor who performed it, as sustaining a relation 
to her of additional sacredness on this account. Twelve 
or fourteen years afterwards, in describing a landscape 
spread out before her, she says, " More remotely is 
a pleasant part of the town, which, among other objects 
of interest, presents the spire of the church, where, 
I well remember, I was dedicated to God in baptism." 
The whole scene was frequently present with her, and 
was a token to her of what she ought to be. It had left 

* The First church in Norwich, then under the pastoral care of Rev. 
Joseph Strong, D. D. 



MEMOIR. 17 

an impression upon her mind, which was never effaced. 
" From early childhood she was the subject of frequent 
religious impressions." Her religious susceptibilities 
seem to have been, from the beginning, greater than most 
possess. Conscience, in her bosom, was peculiarly alive, 
and faithful to discharge its office. 

Still she does not appear to have become truly a disci- 
ple of Christ, and to have commenced, in reality, living 
on the principles of the gospel, till about the age of nine- 
teen. Some account of the change which then took 
place in her views and feelings, may best be given in her 
own language, as recorded at the time. 

It may here be premised, that her observing turn of 
mind, and the more serious views she had begun to en- 
tertain, led her, about this time, to commence a brief 
journal, in which she noticed, not always from day to day, 
but for the most part only occasionally, events that inte- 
rested her, and sometimes recorded her own religious 
feelings in connection with them. Prefixed to this journal 
is an extract from Foster, the sentiment of which, leading 
the mind to view life in connection with the life to come, 
she appears to have adopted as her own, and, judging it 
the foundation of all right living, to have resolved to make 
it the basis of her own practice. " While I anticipate 
the endless progress of life," the extract is, " and wonder 
through what unknown scenes it is to take its course, its 
past years lose that character of vanity which would seem 
to belong to a train of fleeting, perishing moments, and I 
see them assuming the dignity of a commencing eternity. 
In them I have begun to be that conscious existence 
which I am to be through infinite duration ; and I feel a 
strange emotion of curiosity about this little life in which 
I am setting out on such a progress ; I cannot be content 
without an accurate sketch of the windings thus far of a 



18 MEMOIR. 

stream, which is to bear me on for ever. I try to imagine 
how it will be to recollect, at a far distant point of my 
era, what I was when here ; and I wish, if it were possi- 
ble, to retain, as I advance, the whole course of my ex- 
istence within the scope of clear reflection ; to fix in my 
mind so very strong an idea of what I have been in this 
original period of my time, that I shall most completely 
possess this idea in ages too remote for calculation." 
This, all will perceive, is a comprehensive view of human 
life. We admire the mind that conceived it. Nor is the 
intelligent and sincere adoption of it by another, wholly 
unworthy of commendation. 

The record of the change in Miss Marvin's religious 
views and feelings, above alluded to, is as follows : 

"Aug. 20, 1812. I hope that within a few weeks my 
heart has been in some measure rightly affected with 
spiritual and divine things. I hope I have seen the true 
excellency of the gospel, and embraced it as a system of 
salvation for the perishing, and as what I approve and 
love. Forever blessed be that Saviour who has called 
me to love and serve him ! Forever blessed be that 
Spirit who hath quickened me to obey the call ! 

" I cannot but mourn at the retrospect of my past life. 
I have always felt religion to be the only safety, and the 
only solid happiness of human beings. I have always 
felt the commands of God to be reasonable, and obedience 
to them proper. Yet after all, the love of sin, and the 
love of the world, have borne the sway alike over the 
convictions of the understanding and the conscience, and 
completely controlled my heart. For several months past, 
however, I have felt a peculiar dissatisfaction at remaining 
in such a state. As I now look back upon these months, 
I seem to have been calmly surveying my want of wisdom, 



MEMOIR. 19 

my exceeding folly. There has been in my mind a 
kind of restlessness, which forbade the low sort of happi- 
ness I had hitherto found in the things of the world. I 
was not conscious at the time of the operations of an 
unseen and divine Agent on my heart, persuading me 
*■ to forsake the foolish and live.' At this time I had not 
the deep conviction which I have since felt. But my 
feelings of unhappiness increased from time to time, until 
I was compelled to ask with anxiety, ' What shall I do to 
be saved ? ' The result is, God, I trust, has graciously 
brought me to himself. The praise is forever His. May 
it be forever rendered, from a grateful and adoring heart. 
And may every successive period of life witness that it is 
his work, and show him glorified thereby. 

"1 was aided in my inquiries by a similar state of mind 
in my beloved friend and cousin C. [a young lady just 
about her age, and in the same family with herself] ; by 
the care of our faithful minister over our souls ; and by 
the awaking of Christian friends to efforts for our salva- 
tion." 

There was no general seriousness in the place. These 
two, at such a time, " inquiring the way to Zion, with 
their faces thitherward," attracted attention, and exerted a 
quickening influence on beholders, showing the presence 
of the Spirit of grace. 

Such was the beginning of Miss Marvin's religious life. 
And was it not a beginning consonant alike to reason and 
to Scripture 1 Here is no mere working of the passions ; 
no sudden impulse ; nothing visionary. All is indicative 
of a heathful mind, deliberate, and disclosing much 
reflection. There was a turning of her eye inward upon 
herself, and a comparing herself with the grand system of 
truth contained in God's word ; a discovery that she was 



20 MEMOIR. 

not what that word requires ; that judged by it she was 
" found wanting," and could not stand ; that she had not 
within herself the dispositions requisite to true happiness 
— the fountain was not there ; in a word, that in her- 
self she was sinful and lost ; and that hope could come 
to her only through the interposition of unmerited grace 
— a Saviour; a Saviour, to pardon the guilty, to cleanse 
and deliver from sin, to open to the needy and perishing 
sources of peace and life. This Saviour she found in 
Jesus, as millions of others have done, and in Him 
" rejoiced with exceeding great joy." 

The silent manner in which Miss Marvin was brought 
to reflection, and led along in the path of inquiry, uncon- 
scious and unapprehensive of any divine agency or influ- 
ence, till the result was realized, is a striking illustration 
of the teachings of the Scriptures on this subject. " The 
wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound 
thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither 
it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit." The 
gentle breathings of the Spirit are often not recognized — 
though new thoughts are awakened, and new apprehen- 
sions are felt, yet whence they come is not considered — 
till the new life is actually commenced in the soul. Then 
the Author of the work is known. "It is the Spirit 
that quickeneth," and to Him is rendered the praise. 

A short passage in a letter to her from an elder sister, 
about this time, July 20, 1812. is not without interest in 
this connection. " The observations made last evening 
by my tenderly beloved Catharine, excited my attention 
and desire to know if she is seeking the truth. O my 
sister, if this be the case, why hesitate to converse freely 
with those whose hearts throb in unison with every 
feeling of your own ? — I mean your sisters. I have 
thought more of you this summer than usual. I have at 



MEMOIR. 21 

times reflected on you with pleasure, and with pain : with 
pleasure, on your natural endowments, on your manners 
as calculated to conciliate the love of your friends, and 
that constant flow of affection ever manifested for me ; 
with pain, on the possibility of your being too much 
attached ' to trifles light as air,' and being dazzled with 
surrounding earthly pleasure." While such was the out- 
ward aspect of things, the Spirit was silently performing 
his gracious, and, it is believed, his saving work. And 
doubtless the process is always going on in various minds, 
unobserved entirely by a surrounding world. 

Although, in the case of Miss Marvin, the process 
seems to have been gradual by which she was brought to 
a full acquiescence in the gospel, and to the enjoyment of 
its hopes, no particular time being specified as charac- 
terized with any peculiar interest ; yet from remarks else- 
where made it is evident that, in the progress of this great 
work, there ivas a particular time marked with brighter 
divine manifestations than any other ; a time which was 
as the rising of the sun upon a previous night — which was 
the rising of the Sun of Righteousness upon her inner 
being, with healing in his beams; a particular time, which 
gave her inward peace, for her previous perturbation ; 
which turned the current of her affections into a new 
channel, and laid the foundations for a new life; and to 
which she ever after looked back as an era in her existence. 
The manner in which she subsequently remembered this 
era, will receive a moment's notice in another place. 

Miss Marvin was not one to stop half way in her duty. 
Having, as she hoped, embraced the gospel from her 
heart, and been brought to an interest in its saving and 
infinite blessings, she felt it incumbent on her to observe 
all its ordinances, and be openly, as well as really, a friend 
of God. The doctrine, that " a candle is not lighted to 
3 



22 MEMOIR. 

be put under a bushel, or under a bed, but to be set on a 
candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the 
house," met a full response from her heart. The duty 
of making a public profession of religion, therefore, ere 
long engaged her attention. She looked at this duty, 
however, with great seriousness, and not a little trembling. 
A brief representation from herself will show this more 
fully. 

" December 20. It is now more than four months since 
I have hoped that the temper of my heart has been brought 
in some degree into conformity to the gospel. I have 
made my way through doubts and fears, hopes and joys, 
mixed, and succeeding each other by turns, to this time. 
A very solemn question has been before me for several 
weeks. It is that of making a public profession of my 
faith, and entering the visible communion of the church. 
I have viewed it as such a weighty act ; as so connected 
with the final judgment and my future existence, after all 
the scenes of probation are closed, and eternity is present 
with its enduring and boundless realities, that I have been 
ready to shrink from the performance of it. I have lis- 
tened to the denunciations of the Scriptures against those 
who c eat and drink unworthily ; ' I have reflected on 
the increased obligation which a profession of religion 
involves, and the correspondent injury the cause of reli- 
gion sustains by any deviation from the heavenly course 
prescribed to the covenant people of God. I have weighed 
my own weakness ; the degree of sanctification possessed, 
which is but a work just begun (if begun) ; my exposure 
to temptation, and my continual liability to fall ; my very 
limited acquaintance with the doctrines and duties of 
religion ; and above all, my danger of being deceived in 
regard to my character, and the ground of my hope. 



MEMOIR. 23 

These things at first appalled me. I trembled and shrunk 
back." 

She received a visit from her pastor. She had hoped, 
like many young, and inexperienced, and trembling con- 
verts, that he would advise her what to do. He simply 
stated to her the views with which one contemplating the 
duty before her should proceed, and left it wholly for her 
to determine whether she possessed those views or not. 
It seemed to her, at the time, almost wanting in kindness 
in him, not to endeavor further to help her out of her 
difficulties. She afterwards said, however, " I have since 
seen the wisdom of his proceeding. It awakened me to 
a new class of considerations, which before had been shut 
out from my view." Thrown upon herself, her own mind 
worked out the problem. " In c communing with my 
own spirit and making diligent search,' I have asked, 
Am I not willing to live for my Saviour? Am I not 
willing to cast myself on his mighty arm, his all-powerful 
grace, to carry me through the perils of my earthly pil- 
grimage, to help me to resist temptation, and to perform 
duty ? Will a neglect of the dying command of my Sa- 
viour release me from obligation, and absolve me from 
guilt? Shall I be more likely to grow in grace, out of 
the pale of the visible church, or amidst its ordinances, and 
with covenant-claims on its sympathies, its counsels, and its 
prayers ? Shall I disappoint the friends of Christ, who 
are my friends, and gratify the unbelieving around me, 
who watch for my halting, and who dread the reproof ad- 
ministered to them when any forsake their ranks, and 
attach themselves to the interests of Christ's kingdom ? 
The result is, That it is my duty publicly to profess my 
faith in Christ, and love to his cause, depending on his 
almighty grace for aid so to live as shall bring honor to 



24 MEMOIR. 

his name — as shall enable me to escape the pollutions of the 
world, and finally to triumph in heaven. I feel deeply 
solemn in making this conclusion, and submitting my 
name as one who requests to be joined to the Lord's peo- 
ple. But, all things considered, I dare not do otherwise : 
and I leave myself to the mercy of God in Christ, and to 
the judgment of the church, in whom I repose much con- 
fidence." 

Shortly after this — on the first Sabbath in January, 
1813 — she was received as a member of the Congrega- 
tional church then under the pastoral care of Rev. Asahel 
Hooker. She speaks of having made this public conse- 
cration of herself to God, " most tremblingly," and only 
with " an occasional glimpse of God's mercy in Christ to 
the most unworthy." She " did it in the midst of much 
darkness and fearfulness, as duty, irrespective of conse- 
quences to herself." The duty performed, there was a 
satisfaction in having done it. " All is peaceful, and even 
more — joyful." She was at this time a little less than 
twenty years of age. 

Some things, undoubtedly, in this case, and in others 
of the kind, are to be set to the account of temperament. 
A stronger nerve would prevent a measure of the agita- 
tion. Still the solicitudes here expressed show a quick 
perception, and sincerity of purpose. They are indubita- 
ble evidence, that the individual concerned is acting no 
dishonest part — is engaged in no vain formality. Deep 
seriousness and holy fear are becoming in those who 
transact concerns with an infinite, and infinitely perfect 
God. 

In regard to the aid which should be rendered by a 
pastor in cases like this, much wisdom is often needful to 
direct. Severity will sometimes break down an already 
broken spirit, and do it lasting injury. " We were gentle 



MEMOIR. 25 

among you," says the apostle, " even as a nurse cherisheth 
her children." The true course unquestionably is, that 
which seems to have been pursued by the excellent pastor 
mentioned. Give the individual instruction. Furnish 
him with the rule by which his judgment is to be for- 
med. Aid him also in analyzing his own feelings. Go 
down with him into the depths of his own heart, and 
assist him in bringing to light what is there. Yet, after 
all, the responsibility must be left with him. Take him 
by the hand and show him the way, and the encourage- 
ments to walk in it, but do not carry him. Whether he, 
indeed, possesses the qualifications which the rule re- 
quires, he must himself determine. 

In connection with Miss Marvin's public profession of 
religion and admission into the church, is a form of cov- 
enant and self-dedication to God, which she made, and 
which will show still further her habits of thought, and 
especially the prospective views with which she entered 
on the Christian life. 

COVENANT. 

" O God, who art the eternal and infinite Jehovah, 
unchangeable, and possessor of every perfection, natural 
and moral, — ' who art light, and in whom there is no 
darkness at all ; ' who hast made, and sustainest, all 
worlds, and every creature ; who canst kill, and make 
alive : Sovereign of all things ; before whom angels and 
archangels bow adoring, with veiled faces, because of thy 
resplendent glories, and are charged with folly compared 
with Thee : how shall such an one as I appear in thine 
awful presence, on such an errand as this, to implore thy 
-mercy, and dedicate myself, and my all, to thee? Verily, 
in my nature there is no good thing. Born in sin, all the 
3 * 



26 MEMOIR. 

powers of my soul have been estranged from thee ; ' other 
lords have had dominion over me.' I blush and am 
ashamed to lift up my face before thee. I have sinned. 
How, then, can I this day ask of thee that which I need 1 
Will God, indeed, condescend to be my God ? O Lord, 
great is thy mercy, therefore doth my soul hope in thee ; 
therefore would I beseech thee to humble me for my sin, 
to grant me pardon, and strength for future obedience, I 
come in the name of the Saviour of lost men ; that name 
which giveth salvation — in which the most unworthy that 
believeth may find life. I can do nothing without thee. 
Wilt thou, at this time, enable me to approach thy foot- 
stool, and, by an act of my own, assisted by thy Holy 
Spirit, to give myself and my all to thee, for time and 
eternity. O Father, if my heart deceive me not, I do 
now thus give myself to Thee. Accept me through 
the merits and intercession of thy Son, the Saviour of 
sinners, and let me be thine now and forever. 

" No service is like thy service. Therefore do I this 
day renounce every other master, and resolve to live in 
future near to thee. Let thy Spirit be given unto me, 
for I am weak. Keep me, oh keep me, from unbelief and 
sin ; wash me thoroughly in the blood of thy dear Son. 
May I have grace to set an example of holy living ; not 
fear to profess Christ's name boldly before the world ; 
nor shrink from the reproach of being called singular 
where I should otherwise offend thee. Enable me to 
deny myself, and take the cross, and follow Jesus daily. 
Enlighten my understanding, that I may know the truth 
contained in the Scriptures. Use me as an instrument of 
promoting thy glory and the Redeemer's kingdom. In 
whatever station I may be placed, qualify me for every 
good word and work. Assist me in prayer daily, and let 
me enjoy much of thy holy presence in my attempts to 



MEMOIR. 27 

draw near to thee. Let all thy holy providences toward 
me be sanctified for my furtherance in the divine life. 
Let every unhallowed disposition be subdued within me, 
and may I strive daily to gain the victory over every in- 
ternal foe. Give me right judgment and knowledge to 
detect the wiles of the adversary, and resolution to 
withstand temptations though presented under the fairest 
guise. Let the preaching of the word be sweet and 
salutary to my soul, and may all thine ordinances do me 
good. Strengthen my faith to see the end. in the means, 
and to glorify God in the use of them. Let me be a de- 
voted creature to my Lord : not thinking I am something, 
because I have a name to live ; but evidencing my love to 
thee, by keeping thy commandments. 

" Should I in future, through the prevalence of remain- 
ing sin, be left to walk in darkness, and murmur and 
complain, — wilt thou call to my remembrance things of 
this day, give me new repentance, and restore to me the 
joys of thy Spirit. When lying on the bed of sickness 
and death, may I be enabled to testify of thy goodness ; 
have my rational powers continued while life endures, and 
be submissive and sustained by grace. Particularly in 
the solemn moment of departure, give me an overcoming 
faith, and let thy hand conduct me safely through the 
valley of the shadow of death. May thy light shine about 
me. In the judgment of the great day, may I be shielded 
and arrayed in the righteousness of Christ ; and have 
some humble part assigned me among those who are to 
enjoy the felicities of heaven, and sing forever the won- 
ders of redeeming love ; that the termination of my pil- 
grimage may be peace and unfading glory. ' Worthy is 
the Lamb that was slain ! ' 

" Great things have I now asked, O Lord ; but thou 
art great and mighty to perform ; thou art good and mer- 



28 MEMOIR. 

ciful to grant. Let the words of my mouth, and the 
meditation of my heart, be acceptable before thee, and let 
me give all the glory to the sacred Three in One, the 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Catharine M. Marvin." 

This covenant has appended to it thirty different 
dates, indicating manifestly the times in which it was 
solemnly renewed before God. And it can hardly have 
been otherwise, than that the contemplation of such 
truths, under such circumstances, should have been highly 
beneficial. 

It will be seen from this covenant as well as from 
the preceding statements, that Miss Marvin's religion 
was not of a superficial character. It was no mere 
compliance with custom. It was no mere sentimentalism. 
It was sober, deep, practical, taking hold of all the ele- 
ments of her intellectual and moral nature. As expressed 
by a friend who intimately knew her, and saw the first 
turning of her mind to this subject, " At that time her 
views of divine truth became very clear and decided. 
Her inward consciousness of alienation of heart from God 
concurred with the testimony of Him who is ' the faith- 
ful and true witness,' that she ' must be born again.' 
Regarding herself as obnoxious to the divine displeasure, 
as having incurred the penalty of his righteous law, the 
wants of her soul called for atoning blood : and on that 
which was shed on Calvary for the remission of sins she 
placed her humble hope, her cordial reliance ; while she 
received and adored the glorious Sufferer on the cross, as 
'God manifest in the flesh.' Her subsequent life proved 
how deeply the conviction was wrought in her heart, 
that they for whom he died should not live unto them- 
selves. From this period she ever manifested a readiness 



MEMOIR. 29 

for every good word and work, and entered with all her 
natural ardor and energy into every enterprise designed 
to promote the kingdom of Christ." 

It will not be deemed improper to observe, that a few 
months only after she had made a public profession of 
religion, the pastor who had aided her inquiries, and 
under whose direction she had been led, as she hoped, 
into the paths of righteousness, was removed by death. 

" April 12, 1813. We fear that the Lord is about to 
rebuke us in anger, and chasten us in his hot displea- 
sure. Mr. Hooker, our dear minister, is dangerously 
ill with a fever. We are deeply solicitous as to the re- 
sult. Deal not with us according to our sins, O Lord, 
we beseech thee ! — Friday, April 16. Day of Public 
Fasting and Prayer. May we as individuals, and as a 
people, be humbled before God. Especially may this 
church and congregation humble themselves while thy 
rod is lifted up over us. O that our Pastor might live be- 
fore thee ! —April 18. We are endeavoring to acquiesce 
in what appears about to take place in regard to our dear 
minister. As a church we have been professedly hum- 
bling ourselves before God, and entreating him to spare 
his useful life. At the special church meeting all was 
solemnity and weeping. We know, yes, we have pecu- 
liar reason to understand, the language of God's provi- 
dence to us in this dispensation. We have sinned 
against the Lord in a peculiar manner. He has bestowed 
on us one of his richest gifts for a little season, to show 
us his mercy ; and now he seems about to take away 
what he gave, to teach us our folly and guilt, and lead us 
to repent, and turn to him. May such be the result of 
this dispensation. — Monday, April 19. Mr. H. is gone ! 
* Righteous art Thou, O Lord.' The closing scene was 



30 MEMOIR. 

one of triumph. We hardly dare mourn. Yet the dis- 
pensation is dark and heavy. C , and myself had 

peculiar reasons for attachment to him. He was, we 
think, our spiritual father. We can bear witness to his 
faithfulness, his tenderness, his watchfulness, as we now 
mourn his loss. Yet we cannot but rejoice, amidst our 
sorrows, that the closing scene was so bright ; that the 
opening glories of the kingdom of heaven were so visible 
to the eye of his faith ; that God granted his faithful ser- 
vant so triumphant an exit." 

Mr. Hooker is described by others as among the most 
excellent of ministers : " discreet, diligent, affectionate. 
* * * Few men have been so useful, beloved and 
happy, in the pastoral office, as he. He was devoted to 
his work." This had been proved at Goshen, during a 
ministry of eighteen years ; and again at Norwich, a short 
time, where he was much beloved, and his name, after 
his departure, was as ointment poured forth. * 

The religion of Miss Marvin was not of that cast which 
is finished, when the vows of God are assumed. On the 
contrary, it was then only begun. She felt that something 
was due from her to her Saviour ; that she must render him, 
as far as in her power, active service. One of the spheres 
in which she labored to be useful was, her school, which 
she continued about two and a half years after she was a 
professor of religion. From the beginning, indeed, such 
had been her education, and such were her convictions of 
the importance of religion, that she made it in a measure 
a religious school. After her public profession of religion, 
she made it much more so. Her prayer, as she has left it on 

* See Memoir, &c. in Panoplist, 1815. 



MEMOIR. 31 

record, was, " to be assisted in the arduous and trying duties 
of instructing children, young immortals! Keep them from 
the snares of sin. Make them the children of thy grace." 
" Her school was always opened and closed with prayer." 
She had a weekly Bible lesson. " She observed seasons 
of prayer for her school." Or, to use the language of 
another of her intimate friends at that time, " As a 
teacher, the souls of the children and youth committed to 
her instruction lay with great weight, upon her heart ; she 
loved to spend an hour after the close of her school in 
prayer for them, that they might early become the disci- 
ples of the Lord Jesus." When she discontinued her 
school, amidst manifestations of regard from her pupils, 
and recollections of " what gratification she had expe- 
rienced in the circle of little friends," a chief solicitude 
was "the fear that she had been deficient in duty." 

In the family in which she resided she endeavored to 
be useful. It is the testimony of the family to her course 
in general, that " she devoted a portion of time each day 
to prayer, meditation, and reading the Scriptures ;" and 
" endeavored uniformly to exert a religious influence both 
by precept and example." Her own prayer in reference 
to the children, committed partially to her care and in- 
struction, shows the prevailing bent of her mind on this 
subject : " Assist me, O Lord, in my endeavors to lead all 
these children in paths of knowledge and piety." In her 
journal, under date of Aug. 29, 1817, is the following en- 
try : "Among other things, Mrs. A. has this morning 
requested me to set apart Saturday evening of each week 
for catechising and instructing the servants, doing what 
I think will most conduce to their edification and salva- 
tion. I accepted the charge with much pleasure. —And 
now, O Father in heaven, I come to thee, imploring thine 



32 



MEMOIR. 



aid • qualify me for this duty ; and may thy divine 
Spirit concur, and the result be the salvation of these 
souls!" 

The Sabbath school was a theatre on which she loved 
to act. She says, August, 1815, "I commenced last 
Sabbath the office of teacher in the Sabbath school just 
organized here. In this service, I need knowledge and 
humility. It requires also self-denial. I shall have less 
time for reading, meditation, and prayer ; but the great 
Head of the church blesses those who do his pleasure. 
' The path of duty is the path of safety.' My prayer 
has been, ' Lord, glorify thyself by me !' Let me rejoice, 
then, if my petition has been regarded and answered by 
the opening of this field of usefulness before me." In 
this school " she was a devoted, faithful teacher for suc- 
cessive years." Particularly was she and another teacher 
associated together ". in instructing a class of colored 
women to read ; and from their untiring patience they 
were successful in teaching a number of them (quite in 
years) to read the Bible." She had a tact at instruction, 
which rendered her a teacher of more than usual effi- 
ciency. 

She was a frequent visitant at the alms-house, for the 
purpose of doing good. Mrs. Winslow, the first mis- 
sionary of this name, a particular acquaintance and 
friend of hers, in a letter of March, 1819, says : " The 
poor people at the alms-house, which is very near her 
residence, would tell you in one voice that she is an an- 
gel. But this you would no sooner believe from them, 
than from me. And I assure you that I shall not say it. 
But I may say, that I think there are few more ardently 
devoted to the cause of Christ, and more capable, with 
the blessing of God, of doing much good in the world. 



MEMOIR. 33 

I could almost say of her, that she never fails in any un- 
dertaking where her conscience and her heart are engag- 
ed." Others have given similar testimony on this sub- 
ject. " She visited the alms-house," says a friend, " for 
a long time, at stated seasons, and read to the aged females 
and prayed with them, I believe greatly to their comfort." 
Or as a member of the family in which she resided has 
expressed it, " She made frequent visits to the alms- 
house, reading the Scriptures with some, praying with 
others, and exerting all her influence to advance their 
temporal and eternal interests." 

The subject here brought to view is one of much im- 
portance. Young ladies often suffer from ennui. They 
have no grand object to live for beyond themselves. Un- 
der such circumstances let them visit the poor; go and read 
the Scriptures to the aged and the blind ; speak words of 
comfort to the sorrowing, and those who have been broken 
by misfortune ; lead in prayer the sighing and neglected 
of earth, assisting them to present their wants' before a 
throne of grace. Yes, be angels of mercy to the suf- 
fering. This banishes all uneasy vacuity of mind ; this 
brings substantial joy ; this is to be like Christ ; who was 
moved by the miseries of mankind, present and prospec- 
tive, to assume the office of their Redeemer. 

A few passages follow from Miss Marvin's own state- 
ment respecting this branch of her labors. 

"Saturday, Sept. 6, 1815. Visited my alms-house 
friends. Notwithstanding the trial my feelings sustained, 
the duties performed were beneficial to myself. O that 
these poor, lame, halt, blind, might be made whole in 
Christ Jesus ! Some of them, I trust, are. Praise to the 
grace of God. In heaven there is a reserved inheritance 
for every one who embraces his salvation, trusts in his 
4 



34 MEMOIR. 

promises, and casts his soul on Jesus as his Saviour. Be- 
fore Him we are all needy. 

" Jesus, to thee I breathe my prayer ; 
Reveal, confirm my interest there : 
EnrolPd among thy happy poor, 
My largest wish can ask no more." 

" April 17, 1817. In visiting the house appointed for 
the poor and aged, I am often struck with the truth of the 
wise man's reflections on the shortness of human life, and 
especially on the labor and sorrow frequently attending its 
close. One, I found to-day, willing to be communicative, 
but unable to connect her narrative. She appears to have 
been under deep conviction of sin in her childhood, and 
to have enjoyed some view of the excellency of her Saviour. 
Fear kept her from following him, and all her days she 
has been subject to bondage. Another I found of a dif- 
ferent description ; an aged man, whose appearance was, 
in some respects, the most repulsive I have ever witness- 
ed. Yet, so happy was he in Christ, that I almost envied 
him his situation. ' God has been full of tender mercy to 
me ; he has been pleased to manifest himself to my soul.' 
Tears of joy at this visible triumph of piety fell from my 
eyes ; I could not suppress them. His wife seemed ac- 
tuated by the same sweet spirit, while she watched his 
steps downward to the grave. A little longer in this dark 
abode, and ye shall go home to dwell in the mansions 
above, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to an in- 
heritance which shall remain forever. I thank thee, O 
God, that I have been permitted to witness thus the tri- 
umphs of the holy religion of Jesus. 

" Feb. 28, 1818. At twilight, visited my alms-house 
friends j read to them the third chapter of the Gospel of 



MEMOIR. 3b 

John ; conversed on the importance of the subject to which 
it relates ; and united with them in supplication. 

" Oct. 10, 1S19. Spent the afternoon in visiting my 
friends at the alms-house. I endeavored to converse a 
little on the subject of religion. But I find so much to 
do ; after all my effort, so little is done ; and such want 
of interest in most of them on the subject ; that a heart 
like mine is ready to faint." 

These extracts show the character of her visits — a few 
only out of many being noticed — at the place of poverty, 
misfortune, and decripit and suffering age. 

Not long after the date last mentioned, the inmates of 
the alms-house were removed to a new habitation erect- 
ed for them, more distant and difficult of access, and 
which brought her visits to them mostly to a close. Her 
own reflections on their removal may not inappropriately 
close our notice of this topic. 

"Nov. 25. They are gone ; my poor friends are gone ; 
they whom, for three years, I have constantly watched with 
an eye of interest and pity. The house is shut and silent 
where I have stepped lightly to the chamber of infirmity, 
age, and pain ; soothed the sorrows I could not cure ; ad- 
ministered a mite where I should have been glad to have 
poured plenty ; opened the sacred volume with reverence ; 
selected its promises, its threatenings, and its precepts ; 
expatiated on the infinite kindness of a Saviour, and en- 
deavored to allure to obedience ; knelt with the suffering, 
and offered up petitions to the Father of mercies, beseech- 
ing his grace for my own and their salvation. The house 
is silent, where I have sighed deeply at the stupidity of 
some ; heard the last sad groans of the departing, whose 
lives had been spent in sin ; pitied the unmeaning visage 



36 MEMOIR. 

of idiocy, and wept at the miseries of the creature man ; 
where also I have heard the accents of Christian hope 
and confidence ; and witnessed, in one instance, the 
triumph of religion in death, bright, apparently, as the 
beams of opening glory. Here I have been called to the 
exercise of humility, patience, forbearance, meekness, 
kindness, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, if I know 
what these graces are. God, who knoweth all things, sees 
my deficiencies. May he forgive. A.nd may the lessons 
of instruction I have here received, aid in qualifying me 
to glorify his name in future life ! — My poor friends, — 
blessings on them in their new home !" 



CHAPTER III. 

Passages from her Journal, 1813—1820. 

It has been mentioned in regard to Miss Marvin's re- 
ligious experience, that there was a particular time, as she 
believed, marked with peculiar divine communications 
to her mind, and which she viewed as the time of the 
commencement of her spiritual life. She afterward par- 
ticularly refers to it. " Sabbath, first week in August, 
1813. I desire ever to remember this season with hu- 
mility and gratitude. If I am not deceived, it was at this 
time the last year, that I was led to view spiritual things 
in their true light. Still I have need of constant examina- 
tion, that I may not be mistaken in regard to my real 
state." Similar notice is taken of this subject in several 
succeeding years, as the season returned. 

Some passages further may be selected from the brief 
record which Miss Marvin has left, showing particularly 
the inner and spiritual life which she had now begun to 
live. Without regard to subject, these passages may best 
be presented in the order in which they stand. 

" Tuesday, October, 1813. I have lately thought much 
of death. I have felt a shrinking at the idea of the dis- 
solution of my nature. I have, however, been led to see 
the justice of it as the consequence of sin, and to feel, I 
trust, some gratitude to the Saviour that he has taken away 
3* 



38 MEMOIR. 

its sting : so that it is to the believer only a gloomy en- 
trance into a blissful and eternal life. ' In thy presence is 
fullness of joy ; at thy right hand, there are pleasures for- 
evermore.' 

" Nov. 25. (Thanksgiving day.) The mercies and 
blessings of the past year have been so numerous, so un- 
interrupted, and so great, that, did I not feel some emo- 
tions of gratitude, I should be one of the most stupid 
creatures living. Though I cannot count them, yet wilt 
thou, Lord, who art able, make an abiding impression on 
my heart, in some degree proportionate to thy bounty. 

"Jan. 2, 1814. (Sabbath evening.) One year more of 
my life has passed away never to return. One year ago 
to-day, I made a public profession of love to Christ. Let 
it, this evening, be matter of serious inquiry, What pro- 
gress have I made 1 

" Jan. 30. (Sabbath.) Thursday last was my birth- 
day. I have now commenced my twenty-second year. 
How swiftly have twenty-one years of my life glided away ! 
In the review of them, they appear " as a tale that is told." 
How barren of good works. How destitute of gratitude 
for innumerable mercies received from my most bounti- 
ful Benefactor. While I bear testimony to thy goodness, 
O Lord, pardon my imperfections ; and let the new pe- 
riod of my life on which I now enter, be begun, and spent 
with thee. Each morning when I awake, may my thoughts 
be directed to thee, — in praise for thy protection— in med- 
itation on the pledge of my future resurrection — in sup- 
plication for pardon — in desires to be kept from wrong 
thoughts and affections, and from neglect of duty in any 
station which I may be called to fill. During the hours of 
the day, as they pass, may I look frequently to thee, in 
ejaculatory prayer, for guidance, direction, forgiveness, 
sanctification and acceptance. May each day be closed 



MEMOIR. 39 

in thy fear, with thy pardoning mercy, and be crowned 
with thy blessing. May I live to thy glory. 

" Feb. 15. The Christian who lives under a sense of 
divine love, knows by a little that he feels, how precious 
higher attainments and communications must be. Amidst 
the cares and disquietudes of life, he can look away to 
those things, which, though unseen, because spiritual, he 
yet feels confident are substantial and eternal. Having 
that faith which works by love, and purifies the heart, and 
gives victory over the world, he has foretastes of the glory 
and blessedness which shall hereafter be revealed. 

" April 10. (Sabbath.) ' Lord, is it I?' These are 
the words to which our attention has, this morning, been 
directed in the sanctuary. And shall I betray my Lord? 
Am I a mere professor of the religion of the Gospel, hop- 
ing to be saved by giving a bare assent to its truths, while 
refusing to be actuated by its principles, or governed by 
its commands 1 How detestibly hypocritical, in his sight, 
must every one be, who, while he professes friendship, is 
yet daily, by his conversation and course of life, evincing 
his decided attachment to the world, his love of vain 
amusement, his desire of man's applause ! ' Lord, is it L? * 

" Saturday 30. To-morrow we are again to renew our 
vows at the Lord's table. Holy Spirit, condescend to 
breathe into me the divine life. Help me duly to appre- 
hend this exhibition of the wonderful love of God to fallen 
man. Help me to adore those perfections which are 
made manifest, and shall continue eternally to be made 
manifest, in the plan of salvation by our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

"May 1. (Sabbath.) I thank thee, O thou giver of 
every good gift, for preserved life, for another Sabbath, 
for another sacramental season. O that my life had been 
more holy ! O that I could look back, and confidently 



40 MEMOIR* 

say, I have served God with my whole heart ! If I ap* 
pear so sinful in my own eyes, how must I appear in the 
eyes of Him who is infinite purity. 

" I thank thee, O Lord, for the blessed privilege of 
prayer. How much real happiness is lost by the millions 
who never pray — who practice not this truly soul-exalt- 
ing duty. The thoughtless may consider such an expres- 
sion but high sounding words. But the true and sincere 
Christian knows, by sweet experience, the blessed reality. 

" May 10. I want faith and earnestness in prayer for 
the salvation of my dear brother and sisters. Will the 
Lord assist me to set a right example before them, and to 
exert all other practicable, appropriate influences. I fall 
far short in all these important duties. In the name of 
Jesus, that name in which we are ever to approach the 
mercy-seat, I desire to be heard on their account. May 
they speedily be made partakers of thy grace, O God ; 
taste and see that thou art good ; and walk in that path 
which terminates in everlasting life. O hasten them, 
Spirit of grace, into the ark of safety ! 

" May 22. ' Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, all 
is vanity.' I have been out on a little water excursion 
for pleasure ; but there was no religious conversation, no 
spirituality. I return to mourn over the misspent time, 
and can truly say, it has all been tasteless. All pursuits, 
with which the glory of God, and the soul's progress in 
spirituality, and the highest good of my fellow-creatures, 
are not connected, are stamped with folly, attended with 
dissatisfaction, and followed with regret. ' Do all to 
the glory of God.' No service is like his. None has 
such exalted pleasure ; none such holy dignity ; none 
promises such infinite rewards. 

" June 3. ' I count not myself to have apprehended — 
but press toward the mark for the prize of the high call- 



MEMOIR. 41 

ing of God in Christ Jesus my Lord.' Increased devotion 
to God — abatement of love to earthly things — deeper 
concern howl shall appear before my Judge; — these are 
the things that require my chief attention, and after which 
it becomes me continually to strive. 

"June 12. (Sabbath.) How sweet this return of the 
holy Sabbath ! The remarkable beauty of the morning — 
the brightness of the sun — the cool refreshing air, rilled 
with the sweets and perfumes of the vegetable kingdom — 
the feathered tribes chanting their hymns of praise ; all 
call upon man to enter into the rational and ennobling 
service of worship and praise to his Creator and Redeem- 
er. Man^ the head of this lower world, — how elevated 
his station — how noble his appointed employment ! Made 
to behold all these beauties and glories — redeemed, to be- 
hold and enjoy the richer glories of heaven forever ! 
What so desirable for him, as a pure heart, sanctified 
affections, entire devotedness to his God and Saviour ? 
Come, divine Spirit, breathe upon thy people, and aid 
them in their worship to-day ! Enlarge their hearts ; and 
hear their prayers for the spread of the saving knowledge 
of the cross, as far as the curse of sin is found. ' Let the 
people praise thee, O God ; let all the people praise thee.' 

"June 16. 'Wait on the Lord.' He can fulfil thy 
petitions ; he can cheer thy drooping heart ; he can in- 
vigorate every languid affection; he can warm every cold 
desire. In the midst of spiritual death, he can give life. 
How rich the encouragement, then, ' Wait on the Lord.' 

" June 18. Reading in Blair, from which I extract : 
* * * ' Devotion is one of the noblest acts of which 
the human mind is capable. It is a powerful principle 
which penetrates the soul, which purifies the affections 
from debasing attachments, and by a fixed and steady re- 
gard to God, subdues every sinful passion, and forms the 



42 MEMOIR. 

inclination to piety and virtue. The spirit of devotion is 
the gift of God. From his inspiration it proceeds ; to- 
wards him it tends ; and in his presence hereafter it shall 
attain its full perfection.' 

" July 2. (Saturday,) To-morrow we commemorate, 
our Saviour's love. In my retirement to-day, I would ex- 
amine myself as to my preparation for that sacred service. 
I feel myself to be by nature a fallen creature — without 
hope, and without God in the world — a sinner. And sin 
appears to me ' exceeding sinful.' It is madness in the 
heart — blindness in the mind — wretchedness entire — an 
infinite evil. Such I feel it to be in my own case. What, 
then, is my hope ? It is Christ — an almighty Saviour — 
the Son of God. In him all fullness dwells, as prophet, 
priest, and king : — light for our darkness ; atoning blood 
for our guilt ; fountains of grace for our cleansing ; and 
all power to govern, protect, support and bless. O may I 
rest on Him, and own and maintain forever allegiance to 
Him. 

" July 16. Mr. Orton says, ' A quick taste of intel- 
lectual and devout pleasures, will make it easy to deny 
ourselves the hurtful pleasures of sense.' I think I know 
something of this by experience. Forever blessed be the 
Lord, for giving me a spark of spiritual life. 

" I feel increasingly anxious for the salvation of souls. 
The immortal interests of my brother and sisters, of the 
families where we are providentially placed, and of other 
dear friends, as well as sinners all around, lie with weight 
upon my mind, and often awaken deep solicitude in my 
heart. O that salvation might come from our God ! 

" July 20. I am surrounded by the world. As I am 
situated it either is, or seems to be necessary, to receive 
and pay frequent visits. In these circles I often meet with 
some refreshment from a fellow-traveller Z ion-ward. It 



MEMOIR. 43 

is delightful. I find it necessary in visiting and receiving 
visits, to guard against unprofitable conversation and 
against levity. Religion, indeed, appears so excellent, 
and the enjoyment I have found in it already is so pre- 
cious, that I am less in danger of being carried away by 
these things, than once I was. I think I have, through 
grace, obtained some victories. Yet all below is imper- 
fect. How joyful must those be who have entered into 
heaven, and joined the society of the perfect, where there 
is mutual and eternal intercourse between angels and glo- 
rified spirits ; where all is peace, elevated, and holy. 

" July 27. In passing through the trials of life, great 
patience, self-denial, and submission are necessary. There 
is a call, indeed, for the exercise of all the Christian 
graces. I know what it is to be tried. May I know also 
what it is to be raised above these trials : which, I am 
sure, are intended for my benefit. Numerous mercies 
also have marked my lot of late ; among which I assign 
a distinguished place to letters from Christian friends. 
How may Christians thus encourage each other on in the 
pilgrimage of life ! 

" First week in August. I cannot let this season pass 
without special thanksgiving to God for having brought 
me again to the anniversary of the time, in which I hope 
I was awakened to some just apprehension of divine 
things. Blessed be the Lord for this wonderful mercy to 
me a sinner ! Yes, new objects engross my mind, and 
new pursuits employ me. O how could I so long have 
remained indifferent to the claims of the gospel, — living 
for the low purposes of self, and engrossed with present 
things 1 Mine be the shame, and mine the tears of peni- 
tence ! 

" I hope I have made some advances in the divine life 
the two years past. I hope I can look to God with a con- 



44 MEMOIR. 

fidence and trust, which, though still feeble, are yet great- 
er than at the beginning. My judgment in spiritual things 
is, I think, strengthened. My views of sin are clearer. 
Holiness seems more desirable ; and I hope I have more 
communion with God. May I not be allowed to raise my 
pillar among the pillars of his people, and with them 
place an inscription, to swell the grateful song, ' Hitherto 
hath the Lord helped me ' ? 

" O still grant unto me the aids of thy grace, heavenly 
Father ; shine with increasing light on my path, Sun of 
righteousness ; that, as I advance, I may find the way to 
the heavenly Canaan growing plainer and plainer, and 
that the termination of my pilgrimage may be peace and 
unfading glory. 

" July 30. How dreadful is the sin of backsliding ! 
The fear that I shall forget and turn aside from God, 
often makes me tremble. 

' The crime I dread, the thought I hate, 
The guilt, the shame I deprecate ; 
And yet so many are my foes, 
I dare not trust my warmest vows.' 

"Sept. 18. (Sabbath.) Dr. John M. Mason of New 
York, preached. Oh how sweet is the sacred word dis- 
pensed ! The Sabbath, the sanctuary, the ordinances, 
all yield me a pure delight. There is a freshness in these 
spiritual pleasures, which renders insipid all that the world 
can bestow. Blessed Immanuel, Saviour of sinful men, 
how can I sufficiently praise, love, and obey thee ? Re- 
veal thyself more and more to my faith, and be my ever- 
lasting righteousness and portion. 

" Oct. 2. Blair on Genius, says, ' No rules can sup- 
ply the defect of genius, or inspire it where it is wanting; 
but they may often guide it into proper channels.' So 



MEMOIR. 45 

nothing can supply the want of true grace in the heart. 
The use of means cannot inspire it where it is wanting ; 
though means may certainly assist the heavenly principle 
where it exists, — may prove, under God, aids to our sal- 
vation. 

" Oct. 5. (Saturday.) 

' Guide me, thou great Jehovah, 
Pilgrim through this harren land.' 

I am indeed a pilgrim, an orphan pilgrim ; and my pe- 
culiar circumstances make me often keenly feel the fact. 
Help me, Father of mercies, so to feel it, as to keep my 
eye heavenward, and my best affections there. Have ob- 
served a part of the day as a season of fasting and prayer. 
Mat. vi. 17, 18. Enjoyed peace, and found my heart 
quickened by the duty. 
"Oct. 12. 

* The first sure symptoms of a mind in health, 
Is rest of heart, and pleasure felt at home.'' 

" Retirement is a remedy against many evils, and a 
source of many pleasures. 

* lost to virtue, lost to manly thought, 
Lost to the noble sallies of the soul, 
Who think it solitude to be alone. 
Communion sweet, communion large and high, 
Our reason, guardian angel, and our God, — 
Then nearest these, when others most remote? 

" I think I can say, that some of the hours spent alone, 
have been by far the most rational, the most salutary, and 
sweetest of my life. 

" Nov. 12. (Saturday afternoon.) Sick of this vain 
world and my sinful self! I retire to spend a little season 
5 



46 MEMOIR, 

in humiliation and prayer. Having wandered, all my 
strength is requisite to return. May I come back to God 
with my whole heart ! 

"Nov. 13. (Sabbath.) Again I have found the bene- 
fit of throwing from my heart all this vain world, and 
looking and reaching heaven-ward. ' I cried unto the 
Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my 
troubles.' ' I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.' ' I 
will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart.' I am 
under renewed obligations henceforth to serve God. The 
covenant, in which I have solemnly bound myself to do 
this, and which I have sealed twelve times at his table, I 
feel resting upon me with additional force, I tremble, 
lest I may fall short in keeping my vows. Yet I would not 
be absolved from them. My only wish is, that I may have 
grace to pay them continually ' in the presence of his peo- 
ple,' showing forth their power on my heart by a well 
regulated life and conversation. 

" Saturday, Dec, 30. The year is fast closing. Time 
glides away like a stream, swiftly, though almost imper- 
ceptibly. Temporal inconveniences are in prospect, and 
deprivation of some privileges which I have enjoyed lon- 
ger than I at first expected, May these things make me 
feel yet more strongly, that this is not my rest. Remem- 
bering that He who clothes the field with grass, and 
watcheth the falling sparrow, is abundantly able to do for 
me also beyond my largest expectation, may I commit my 
whole cause to Him, and wait on him as he hath appoint- 
ed in humble prayer, seeking his glory by submission to 
his will, and strong confidence in his directing wisdom. 

" January 25, 1815. ' Pure religion and undefiled be- 
fore God and the Father,' — how it draws its possessor 
from too close adherence to the things of this world ; 
raises the mind from earth to heaven ; makes those who 



MEMOIR. 47 

enjoy it pity the votaries of pleasure, and turn from the 
insipid draught mingled in their cup. I am surrounded 
with busy preparations for an approaching season of gaiety, 
mirth, and dancing. I feel a delightful freedom from 
things whose influence so hinders the mind from ranging 
among spiritual objects. There is a rich satisfaction in 
passing by the follies which attract those who never 
knew a higher, nobler joy. Oh when shall we see our 
young friends flocking to the cross of Christ 1 

" Jan. 26. The rebellion of our hearts consists more 
in their habitual temper of variance with God, than we are 
generally aware. We are too prone to imagine ourselves 
innocent, because the sin is not clothed in overt action. 

" The Scriptures are like springs of living waters, 
which furnish drink for thousands, without diminishing 
the sweetness or abundance of their supplies. Those who 
have once tasted, desire ever after to be refreshed from 
these streams. 

" The habitual practice of secret prayer is an evidence 
of spiritual life. Secret prayer loosens the cords by which 
the soul is bound to earth ; it assists the eye of faith to 
look forward and upward ; it strengthens the inner man ; 
it sweetens the spirit, and prepares it for every duty. 
' Christ's yoke is easy, and his burden light.' 

" The armies of Pompey and Mithridates engaging in 
battle in the evening, the moon, shining from behind the 
Romans so lengthened their shadows that the archers of 
Mithridates, under a mistake, shot their arrows at the 
shadows and not at the men. A picture of multitudes of 
our mistaken race, who are aiming at shadows, rather 
than at realities. 

" March 2. Some earthly trials press heavily, and the 
future looks dark. ' Lord, what time I am afraid, I will 
trust in thee.' I am still an orphan, thou still art God. 



48 MEMOIR. 

Thy promises are yet upon record, and are sure. I yield 
myself to thy guidance ; I repose on thine arm of grace. 

" April 8. Still I will wait on God. May I do it in 
faith, rejoicing that ' my times are in his hand.' 

" April 24. I have been seeking direction of God. I 
wish to refer the decision of every matter to Him, and by 
watching the footsteps of his providence, learn what he 
would have me to do. 

" May 9. Oh, that every member of the family which 
I am now about leaving, might live before God. This 
has been, this still shall be, my sincere and ardent prayer. 

"May 10. I think the scenes through which I have 
been passing have made me acquainted with some things 
in my own character, of which before I was ignorant. 
Decision and perseverance have been called into exercise, 
and I hope I have had an addition to my faith and confi- 
dence in God. I have taken no step, without first repair- 
ing to the throne of grace, and seeking direction there. 
And these seasons have been unspeakably sweet. Surely, 
to be directed by the Infinite One, my Father and my 
God, is my highest joy ! 

" May 17. In my new situation, to which I have been 
guided, as I trust, by an unerring Providence, I look to 
him for his blessing. And may this chamber, which, for 
the present, I am permitted to call my own, be a conse- 
crated place, where my spirit shall be constantly paying 
her vows to the Most High, and seeking and obtaining 
grace for the exigencies of life. 

" May 22. Have been reading Dr. Johnson's life by 
Murphy. Dr. J. had great virtues combined with great 
defects of character. His writings tend to the improve- 
ment of the mind, and discover deep acquaintance with 
human nature. 

" June 3. (Sabbath morning.) O that, with the light 



MEMOIR. 49 

of this pleasant morning, I could feel that light in my 
soul, which is better than mortal life! Lord, thou hast 
said, ' Draw nigh unto God, and he will draw nigh unto 
you.' But how can a sinful, self-willed creature do this 
without thy gracious aid ? O wilt thou this day vouch- 
safe it to me. I fear I shall fall away from thee, by de- 
grees growing insensible, and finally perish. Still, if I 
mistake not, I do love thee, and that cause which I have 
professedly espoused. 

" June 10. (Sabbath.) How everyway proper is a 
day thus set apart from secular business and the cares of 
earth. How refreshing to the body. How delightful 
as a season of devout praise to God for creating power, 
preserving goodness and redeeming love. It is a time for 
the soul to refresh itself amidst the sweet influences of the 
sanctuary, thus preparing itself for the unending blessed- 
ness of the kingdom of glory. 

" June 19. Author of my blessings, my pleasures, 
and my life, grant that thy gifts may not hide thee the 
Giver from my eyes ; but may I daily and hourly be made 
sensible of the source whence they flow, and have my 
heart fixed on things above the world, while I live in it. 

1 They build too low, who build beneath the skies.' 

" July 2. (Sabbath morning.) ' Why sleep ye? Rise 
and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.' How appropri- 
ate, not only to the slumbering three in Gethsemane, but 
to all indolent disciples. O why is a Christian ever 
otherwise than awake, holy, and active ? 

"July 10. (Ten o'clock, evening.) How charming 

this evening, at this still hour. ' The moon walking in 

brightness,' and shedding her soft beams upon the earth, 

— its hill and dale, its flowery mead and garden shrub- 

5* 



50 



MEMOIR. 



bery, its streamlets and distant glassy waters ; what a 
profusion of beauties fill up the lovely picture ! Faint 
image of immortal beauties ; after which let me aspire ! 
" July 23. I have of late, more than usual, been turn- 
ing my eye inward upon my own heart, surveying its 
thoughts, desires, hopes, and expectations : consequently 
I have had a clearer view of its deep native alienation 
from God, and the present weakness of its graces. 

* O mind immortal ! spark from God, 

* * * * 

Form'd with capacity for highest joy, 
Extatic bliss in heaven and near its God! 
Shall trifles animate, allure and fill it ? 
Shall aught beneath the sun attract its love, 
Bearing it downward, robbing it of heaven ? ' 

" September 19. On Saturday our terrors were great. 
The heavens gathered blackness, the wind burst from its 
storehouses, and devastation spread around. But the 
same voice which had said * Let it be,' spake again, and 
it was calm, and the serenest sky ensued. Emblem of 
higher things. ' In a little wrath I hid my face from 
thee for a moment ; but with everlasting kindness will I 
have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.' 

" February 2, 1816. The world's atmosphere is pesti- 
lential. I feel it to be so, and fear its influence. My 
Saviour says, ' Be not conformed to this world.' I trem- 
ble lest I come far short of obedience to this command. 
Divine grace ! prevent that fatal sentence, ' Ephraim is 
joined to his idols ; let him alone.' 

" May 5. (Ten o'clock, evening.) Have just returned 
from our monthly concert for prayer. How animating 
the consideration, that on this evening a goodly number 
in Asia, Africa, Europe, and our own dear America, are 



MEMOIR. 51 

unitedly engaging in prayer for the extension of the Re- 
deemer's kingdom throughout the world. I do believe 
that with such sacrifices God is well pleased. I do be- 
lieve that he will regard these supplications, and send 
answers of peace and blessing. 

" July 8. New favors and new subjects for grateful 
acknowledgements. 

' Lord, take this heart of mine, 
Nor let it ever stray ; 
Let me no longer call it mine, 
Since 'tis convey'd away.' 

"August 3. The anniversary has again returned when 
it becomes me to render to God peculiar praise, for his 
having brought me to see myself as a sinner, and the ex- 
cellency of Christ as a Saviour. I hope I have freely 
chosen to be saved in the way proposed in the gospel, and 
that I am constantly looking to Christ to be kept from the 
evil that is in the world, and to be prepared for a higher 
and nobler existence beyond the grave. Such an expec- 
tation calls for my most entire and active obedience. O 
that I might have grace given me to purify myself in 
some measure, as my Saviour is pure ! 

" August 19. My desires are quickened to do some- 
thing more than I have yet done for the enlargement of 
Christ's kingdom. 

" September 24. The probability that, under existing 
circumstances, I shall be often deprived of social evening 
meetings during the week, where I can receive and re- 
ciprocate the devout sympathies, and enjoy what is emi- 
nently congenial to my heart — the sweet repasts of my 
soul — damps my spirits, and clouds my joy. At the 
same time it prompts this ardent unaffected prayer : 

" Place me, O Lord, in a soil friendly to my spiritual 



52 MEMOIR. 

improvement ; and in a position favorable to my serving 
thee with activity, and in such a way as shall be for thy 
glory ; and let thy grace enable me to maintain an exam- 
ple, and exert all appropriate influences, to win others to 
thyself. I know, O Lord, that thou canst do this ; and 
so peculiarly have I been led, of late, by prayer and 
earnest supplication, to present my case before thee, and 
leave my petitions at the foot of thy throne, that I am 
emboldened to add, I believe thou wilt. Increase faith in 
me, and assist me to wait continually on Thee, O thou 
Disposer of events ! . 

" Oct. 3. How eventful is this short life. Almost 
every day brings something unexpected. Every year pro- 
duces important changes beyond the power of human cal- 
culation. Amidst this diversity of movement, it is matter 
of high satisfaction that He who ordains and conducts the 
whole is infinite in wisdom ; that he has an arm of strength, 
and doeth all things well. Possessing his favor, we can 
never be unhappy. 

" Evening. ' There is no soundness in me because of 
sin.' All is defiled. ' Enter not into judgment with me, 
O Lord.' I cannot stand before thy holy justice, unmix- 
ed with sovereign mercy. I rejoice that thou canst justi- 
fy the penitent believer in Jesus, without sullying the pu- 
rity of thy perfections, or dishonoring thine authority. 
Take away my folly, I entreat thee ; that, hoping to be 
saved by thy grace, I may delight continually to run the 
way of thy commandments. I ask that obstructions may 
be removed, that I may be active in duty. 

"Oct. 5. (Sabbath evening.) 'Is God's arm short- 
ened that it cannot save V No, my soul, the time of thy 
necessity shall be, as it hath been, the time of his mercy. 
Here, then, let me rest. Though earthly streams dimin- 
ish, and darkness rests upon the future, yet would I resolve 



MEMOIR. 53 

to meet every exigency, and endeavor to live henceforth 
1 as seeing him who is invisible.' 

" Jan. 1817. ' I have lately thought very much of my 
dear departed mother, and traced many features of her 
character and life with clearness and deep emotion. I 
have, in a measure, entered into the anxieties she must 
have felt at leaving her children orphans in this cold 
world, with slender means of support, and especially des- 
titute of the grace of God which alone could bring them 
salvation. Oh could I now with her talk of the way in 
which God has thus far led us, of the love of Christ and 
the joy of the Spirit, and enter with her into that sweet 
communion felt by Christian kindred hearts, and bend 
with her before the throne of grace and unite in the ar- 
dent prayer, how happy for me ! But no, I must not wish 
it ; it is selfishness. I alone could be the gainer ; she 
must suffer loss. With her, I believe, darkness is chang- 
ed into light, and this mortal is left for immortality. 
Faith and hope have ripened into full fruition. Let me 
rather strive after the same glory, and eventually meet her 
in that better world. 

" April 15. Humbled by almost every thing that has 
occurred this day and evening. Pensive and dissatisfied, 
I come to Him who has such gifts to bestow, and ask par- 
don and favor, and a heart to say, ' Just and true are thy 
ways, thou King of saints !" May this spirit accompany 
me to my pillow, and abide with me continually, aiding in 
all duty and preparation for a higher and nobler state of 
existence, where no intervening cloud shall ever obscure 
the rays of the glorious and righteous Sun. 

" April 27. How many scenes do we witness which 
cause us to weep at the depravity of man, — his unsancti- 
fied passions governing him, sin strengthening within 
him, and no inward principle of grace counteracting the 



54 MEMOIR. 

dreadful tendency. How thankful should I be, if I am 
made to differ ; if I have received a measure of that grace 
which subdues the power of sin ; which shall complete the 
work it has begun, and give me, at last, a part in the pu- 
rity and rest of heaven. How invaluable the Gospel, that 
conducts to such results. How invaluable the covenant, 
which secures such results to every one that takes hold 
of it. 

' Grace will complete what grace begins, 
To save from sorrow and fro^m sins ; 
The work that wisdom undertakes, 
Eternal mercy ne'er forsakes.' , 

" April 28. (Sabbath evening.) I am consoled, soft- 
ened, animated, strengthened, by the solemnities of God's 
house. O that my future life might receive some right 
coloring from the instructions, the reproofs, the exhorta- 
tions of this day. 

" April 31. (Wednesday evening, 11 o'clock.) Re- 
turned half an hour since from a pleasant circle of friends 

entertained by Mrs. W . Our conversation, though 

not directly on religion, was not marred by folly, nor 
censure of the absent. Visiting, rightly conducted, is an 
estimable recreation, and attended with many benefits. 
It gives the mind elasticity, calls the social powers into 
exercise, - softens, refines, animates. Too often, alas ! 
wrongly conducted, it leads to different results. 

"May 6. (Sabbath.) Made a renewed dedication of 
myself to God this morning in secret. I hope to keep a 
savor of it in my heart and conduct. Yesterday, the 
words, ' She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she 
liveth,' were frequently in my mind. I had more to do 
with the world than common, though there was a call for 
more than ordinary retirement, the communion-service 



MEMOIR. 55 

being before me to-day. I have reason to praise God that 
he enabled me, in some measure, to keep my heart. 
May the Saviour enable me, at his table, to drink deeply 
into his spirit. 

" Evening. ' Dead be my heart to all below.' Hence- 
forth let me live as seeing Him who is invisible, and look- 
ing forward and expecting the time when my Lord shall 
come. Let me live, (oh how desirable !) not unto my- 
self, but unto Him who laid down his life to atone for sin, 
and took it again to intercede for sinners. Shall not such 
infinite love fix my wandering heart, and rivet it to Him, 
the best of objects, and make it most faithful in his most 
divine employ ? 

" June 12. In conversing with dear S. J. B. in the 
early part of the evening on the particular providence 
of God, and especially in relation to myself, I felt a desire- 
to praise him more than it is possible in this imper- 
fect state. * * This Christian communion savors of 
heaven. We anticipate the riches of our eternal inheri- 
tance. * * There is another cause for thanksgiving. 
One in this neighborhood has, I trust, just opened the eye 
of faith, and fixed it on God as the centre and sum of all 
good. ' There is joy in the presence of the angels of 
God, over one sinner that repenteth.' 

" July 14. Greatly uncertain respecting the mind of 
God toward me, in the dispensations of his providence ; 
sometimes agitated by fear, and again animated by hope. 
I do at this time deliberately desire to draw near to my 
heavenly Father, and surrender myself entirely to him ; 
that, my will may perfectly coincide with his, however 
crossing to nature may be his appointments ; trusting that, 
in the future opening of his plans, I shall see reason to 
rejoice in whatever is allotted me ; shall find it, however 
dark at present, shedding a prolonged ray of light and 



56 MEMOIR. 

peace over my subsequent earthly course, and preparing 
me more completely for the clearer light and fuller bless- 
edness of the kingdom of heaven. This I now ask in 
the sacred name of the holy Trinity, in whom I firmly be- 
lieve, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

" July 29. I purpose to be as retired as possible to- 
day, for self-examination and prayer. Oh for the presence 
of God, in my attempts thus to draw nigh unto him ! 

"July 30. (Evening.) ' It is well.' How sweet the 
frame of spirit, which enables one to say, ' It is well.' 
It is the sentiment of angels and of the spirits of the just 
escaped from mortality. It is their heaven ! Blessed 
privilege of the Christian here, that he may attain a lit* 
tie of that which constitutes their bliss. ' It is well.' He 
has a God, whose government is perfect and glorious ; 
and the vision of which evidences his faith, animates his 
hope, strengthens his love, and fills his soul with adora- 
tion and praise. ' It is well.' He has a covenant God, 
whose promises are immutable and sure ; ' all things shall 
work together for his good.' How safely may he commit 
the interests of his body and soul into the hands of ' a 
faithful Creator.' ' It is well.' Though the dark cloud 
threaten, though intervening gloom obstruct his view, 
and he wonder what his course shall be; yet, amidst 
clouds and darkness, ' the wreck of matter and the crush 
of worlds,' he may rest in the wisdom, power, and truth 
of God most High, and, while waiting for the unfolding 
pages of futurity, say, ' It is well.' 

"August 4. (Monday evening.) Concert of prayer 
for the world's conversion. 

" Employed a part of the afternoon in recalling that 
period in which I hope divine life was breathed into my 
soul ; while I rejoice at this great change of principles 
and views, I yet mourn that the new sentiments awakened 



MEMOIR. 57 

in my bosom have not more entirely influenced my practice. 
Imperfection has a part in every action. I come short of 
the glory of God. May God grant me pardon, and grace 
more thoroughly to sanctify my affections and aims and 
direct them to himself, and resolution and strength for a 
more faithful fulfilment of my vows. 

" August 25. Sweet day — sweet evening ! The in- 
terviews of yesterday with my beloved friends, S. M. C. 
and S. J. B., shed a kind influence on my heart, which 
has remained since. We humbly hope to hold ourselves 
in readiness for any service to which God may call us. 
May the offering be accepted : ' Use us for the glory of 
thy name, and the advancement of thy kingdom in the 
earth. Prepare us for the visions of thy face forever ' 1 

" August 30. (Saturday evening.) How shall I praise 
thee acceptably ? Every effort falls below thy worthiness. 
Lord, accept the wish ; and, while in this body, and far 
from my Father's house and the pure air of heaven, assist 
me to aspire after its blessed abodes. 

* 0, it is sweet to feel this grateful joy, 
And bless the source from whence these springs descend ! 

Even now, confined to earth, my spirit soars, 

Anticipates the better strains of praise 

Which sound in heaven, where thou art " all in all." ' 

" September 5. (Friday evening, before the com- 
munion.) What prospect on earth should kindle the 
flame of holy love in my soul, like that of approaching the 
place where ' Jesus is evidently set forth, crucified be- 
fore us ' ? When I attempt to survey the wondrous 
plan of salvation, the mercy and the grace appear almost 
too great for belief. Yet let me beware of rejecting a 
6 



58 MEMOIR. 

system so glorious. How fatal such an error ! The reve- 
lation is too clear for faith to refuse its assent ; the invita- 
tion is too plain to be mistaken ; and the commandment 
is too forcible to allow of disobedience or delay. To 
what source of help shall I fly, O my Saviour, but to 
Thee ? What other fountain has power to change from 
moral pollution, but the fountain of thy blood? What 
other shield can protect the guilty sinner from the wrath 
of heaven, but thy boundless grace ? 

" Soul, art thou daily washing in this fountain? Hast 
thou this shield ? Does the name of Jesus raise within 
thee emotions of sweetest harmony? Is every power 
striving to render him acceptable praise, and all combin- 
ing to ' crown him Lord of all ' ? 

" Do I not desire further knowledge of this Redeemer, 
who wears my nature, and 'sitteth at the right hand of the 
Father,' as intercessor for me ? Am I not grieved that I 
have such low conceptions of his excellence, and endear- 
ing offices ? Why is it, that, day by day, I am not wait- 
ino - , with holy anxiety, to be introduced into his pres- 
ence, where is full knowledge, purity, and bliss ? How 
dwindles every wish, even the most fondly cherished ; how 
sinks every earthly desire into indifference ; when eternity 
with its amazing scenes, and a Saviour's love with its im- 
pressive claims, come into view. O to live with these vis- 
ions before my mind ! Moderate, O Lord, my attach- 
ment to things below, and enable me to accomplish the 
hiffh ends of my being. Grant me the enjoyment of the 
blessings of this life, in such measure as will quicken me 
to aspire after a better. May afflictions, trials, pleasures, 
all work the same end, and the gracious promise be ful- 
filled unto me in covenant love — ' all things shall work to- 
gether for good.' 

" Sept. 10, I have been making known my requests 



MEMOIR. 59 

unto God in prayer, and asking, among other things, a 
disposition to trust in him for all that I need. Now I 
arise to wait. And what is ' waiting on the Lord ' ? It 
is, if I understand it, the suppression of a too eager de- 
sire for the blessing sought ; a conviction of our impo- 
tence, ignorance and unworthiness; a willingness, if God 
please, to have the solicited favor delayed — bestowed in 
any time and way which to him may seem best; a spirit 
submissive — quietly resigned — even if the favor should be 
denied. Sweet temper, and all important ! Without 
something of it, the greatest earthly blessings lose their 
relish, and fill us with satiety. But this is itself compen- 
sation for good delayed. ' My soul, wait thou only upon 
God, from whom thy help cometh.' 

" October 20. Have been reading Paradise Lost — ' a 
feast of nectared sweets' ! I have never before read Milton 
with such keen relish. Reality seems attached to every 
action, every object, delineated by this master genius. 

"NovemberST. (Thanksgiving day.) Dined at home 
from choice, and spent the afterpart of the day alone, and 
in visiting my poor friends. It afforded me a quiet sea- 
son for reviewing the mercies of the year, and forming 
resolutions of future duty. 

" This is a day manifestly misspent by multitudes. 
Professed Christians even, too frequently lose sight of the 
very object for which it is set apart, and make it little 
more than a sensual feast. Alas ! that the intellectual, 
the spiritual, should be so overlooked. How should all 
the inner powers, the higher and the better powers, move 
toward the infinite Benefactor, on such an occasion ! 
How distinct should be the apprehension of God, the 
recognition of God, in every favor ! And how delight- 
ful, in connection with a temperate use of his bounties, to 



60 MEMOIR. 

make glad the hearts of the poor and the needy, by ren- 
dering them participants in his favors. 

"December 1. (Monday evening.) The concert of 
prayer has been very animating to my feelings, and I hope 
to thousands beside, where its benign influence extends. 

" ' The church shall live.' This comforting assurance 
is as a reviving cordial to the fainting spirit amid the 
mysteries of providence, the tumult of various passion, 
and the narrow confused views of weak man. ' The 
church shall live' — its members be preserved, and finally 
be presented with exceeding joy in the presence of the 
living God. Let the bright vision continually present it- 
self to the eye of my faith, and so eclipse inferior things 
as to leave me possessed of a continual and holy rapture 
that ' the Lord reignetk ' / 

" January 2, 1818. This day is set apart by the church 
as a day of private fasting and prayer. Had we a proper 
sense of this duty, how awful would be the place to which 
we resort, to open our bosoms to God, to mourn for sin 
in ourselves and others, and to deprecate its dreadful con- 
sequences. Though the life of the Christian includes 
habitually a decided disapprobation of sin, yet in seasons 
set apart for particular humiliation, he should particularly 
examine how far it may still have influence over him, and 
labor after a distinct consciousness of whatever remnants 
of it may still exist within him. The recollection of many 
wanderings the past year, to look no further back, fills 
me with pain and regret. ' I have sinned ; what shall I 
do unto thee, O thou preserver of men ' ! Let me adore 
a Being of such prolonged patience, and from that very 
patience take encouragement to draw near, and touch the 
extended sceptre of grace ; and, however unworthy, may 
I hear a voice, saying, ' This year thou shalt live ; this 



MEMOIR. 61 

shall be unto thee as the beginning of months ; I will 
henceforth be a lamp unto thy feet, and a light to thy 
path.' 

" January 8. These hours are set apart as a season of 
audience with the King of heaven. They are consecrat- 
ed to the purpose of spreading before his throne the com- 
plaint of orphans ; as a time for pleading his promises to 
the fatherless, and imploring his aid. May faith be given 
to ask things agreeable to his will. May the sorrow and 
sighing of the needy, and the prayer of the destitute, so 
come before him this day, that he may regard and send 
help according to the greatness of his mercy ; supply that 
w r hich is lacking, and show himself a God hearing prayer ; 
so that this day shall be remembered through the remain- 
der of life, as a day of mercy, and as an encouragement 
and pledge of future interposition ; so that no barrier to 
similar entreaty hereafter shall oppose a speedy flight to 
the place where relief can alone be found. O Lord, shall 
it be said, that thou takest no knowledge of that which is 
presented before thee ? I plead that thou wilt so answer 
the prayers of this day, that thy name may be glorified, 
our happiness promoted, and our best interests secured." 

The subject here brought to view — God's care of the 
orphan and the destitute— constitutes one of the most 
beautiful features of religion. The promises on this sub- 
ject are peculiarly explicit, emphatic, and tender ; and 
must be peculiarly sweet to the pious mind in the state 
supposed, and feeling its necessity. " Leave thy father- 
less children," says God to the dying parent, " I will pre- 
serve them alive ; and let thy widows trust in me." " He 
doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, 
and loveththe stranger." " The poor committeth himself 
unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless." "A 
6* 



62 MEMOIR. 

Father of the fatherless, and a Judge of the widows, is 
God in his holy habitation." " In thee the fatherless 
findeth mercy." Is it wonderful to find an orphan plead- 
ing these promises, and pleading them with great earnest- 
ness ? Miss Marvin believed that the blessings of after life 
were connected with prayer — were connected with taking 
hold of these promises, and seeking God's direction and 
favor, according to the encouragement they afford. And 
who will say, that it was not a rational religion which be- 
lieved so? O that all orphans would, in like manner, 
avail themselves of their privilege ! Surely God has 
spoken to be believed ; and in thousands of ways can he 
arrange his providences, to favor those who confide in 
him. The very act of confiding in him — the temper it 
implies — is favorable to safety. 

" January 27. The anniversary of my birth. God of 
mercy, I am still permitted to ' sing of thy goodness ' ! O 
that a sense of the rapidity of time, and the uncertain 
continuance of life, may quicken me in obedience to the 
apostolic injunction ; ' Be diligent in business, fervent in 
spirit, serving the Lord.' 

" January 29. Heavily pressed, I am almost tempted 
to forget my numerous mercies in the cloud of busy 
wishes and anxious fears. This I would not do. Let me 
be guided from a wilderness so dark, and with simplicity 
enter the path irradiated with the light of that goodness 
which says, * Wait on the Lord, he shall strengthen thine 
heart ' ; ' run, and not be weary, walk and not faint ' ; 
' thy light shall rise in obscurity, thy darkness shall be 
as the noon-day.' So guide me, great Jehovah. Fulfil 
thy promises to a feeble creature, who has no other refuge 
or strength. 

" February 20. (Evening.) The day past is an im- 



MEMOIR. 63 

pressive emblem of life. The changes from sunshine to 
storm, and from storm to sunshine ; from calm to agita- 
tion, and from agitation to calm again; most forcibly 
illustrate the fluctuations of this mortal state. Nor should 
I fail to notice the evening which has succeeded. Every 
cloud has fled, all is serene, tranquil. The 'moon's un- 
clouded majesty ' throws her silvery beams abroad, which 
are reflected from the icy, snow-clad face of nature, en- 
chanting to the eye. The stars appear, beautifying the 
vast expanse, and elevating the mind to their glorious 
Creator. So may heaven burst on my ravished percep- 
tion, after this varying and tumultuous scene is passed, 
and afford me that calm, pure, and eternal peace and 
joy, which God has reserved for his faithful people ! 

" March 24. Spent part of the day in looking over 
the papers of my two eldest sisters, who have long since 
been reposing in the dust. The tear has flowed, and an 
acquaintance has been obtained with their hours of seclu- 
sion, their better thoughts, which before I did not pos- 
sess. This employment, too, has called me to retrace, in 
memory, the period of childhood ; has shown me its thought- 
lessness, awakened the wish that I had derived greater 
improvement from sisters so adequate to my instruction ; 
and filled me with regret that I was so early deprived of 
two so dear. 

" The idea that I have, as I trust, so many friends in a 
world free from sorrow, uncertainty, and uncomfortable 
anticipations, presents a forcible reason why I should de- 
sire to continue here only so long as it shall please Infinite 
Wisdom, and look forward to enjoy their society in the 
presence of our common Saviour forever. 

" June 8. Have again been perusing the papers of a 
departed sister. How sweet the assurance, as a friend 
writes, that, as the end approached, after a deep convic- 



64 MEMOIR. 

tion of her necessities as a sinner, ' she was enabled to 
commit her whole interests of soul and body into the 
hands of a merciful Saviour. She could pray with 
assurance, and felt that the blood of Christ was suf- 
ficient to cleanse her from all sin, and remove all guilt, 
and give her acceptance before the everlasting throne.' 
O what gain to the believer, to die ! 

" June 14. (Sabbath evening.) 'While they are yet 
speaking, I will hear.' Yes, before I spoke, thou didst 
send an answer of peace ; an answer which, from the na- 
ture of the case, I had little reason to expect ; an answer 
which awakens my gratitude, and draws forth some of 
the sweetest feelings of which I am capable. I would, 
by thy assisting grace, now present myself to thee for thy 
service in the new opening which has occurred, with the 
hope and prayer that thou wilt accept me, and bless me 
with others engaged in the good work. 

" July — . Dr. Griffin's discourse, this evening, from 
Rev. ii. 4, 5 : ' Nevertheless I have somewhat against 
thee,' &c, designed as preparatory to the communion, 
was seasonable, solemn, and deeply impressive. I felt 
that the text, and the enforcement of it, were to me. Con- 
scious that the world had yet too great a hold on my 
heart, that I was not in the exercise of that first love 
which is sweeter than words can express, that a thousand 
objects wear attractions beyond their real consequence, 
while spiritual things are but too dimly seen, I felt dis- 
tressed, and yet hardly knew where to begin to seek re- 
lief. I tried to cast myself at the foot of the cross, in all 
my necessities. I think God has answered my desires, 
though in a manner not expected. He has taught me 
my dependence, and granted me humbling views of my- 
self. I would lie low at his feet, and receive pardon and 
grace through the blood of Christ — preparation for com- 



MEMOIR. 65 

munion, and every duty, privilege, and trial. And oh for a 
godly jealousy over my heart in future, that it may not be 
too much taken up with the vanities of time. I would 
even labor, in passing through this dangerous world, to 
keep the end in view, and so to live that I may find rest 
and safety in the kingdom above. 

" September 23. What a precious acquisition to the 
community of disciples do we anticipate from the union 

of and to our number. O for the language of 

praise ! Here is encouragement for parents. Two, early 
dedicated to God in baptism, frequently reminded of duty 
by parental watchfulness and pious instruction, are, in a 
time of general unconcern, singled out and made subjects 
of grace. Is it not designed as an illustration and en- 
forcement of the covenant? Shall it not animate every 
parent, every friend, to diligence and faithfulness in duty? 
O that the whole church might arise, and cry earnestly 
unto God for a continuance of the blessing ; that it stop 
not with these droppings, but increase to a plentiful show- 
er, watering this thirsty heritage, and causing the fruits 
of holiness and grace to abound. 

" November 14. (Saturday evening.) How often do 
the visions of hope disappear, and give place to sighs and 
regrets. Such is the present state of weak erring man. 
But after all God's goodness to me, why should I be solici- 
tous ? With Him are ' hid treasures.' With Him are 
infinite sources of blessing, both temporal and spiritual. 
Why, then, shall I not live by faith ? Satisfied that he 
knows my necessities, I will make application to him for 
his most gracious help. 

" Thanksgiving day. Reminded of blessings unnum- 
bered — innumerable. Oh that I could offer suitable 
praise for such matchless goodness ! 



66 MEMOIR. 

" January 2, 1819. (Saturday evening.) The clock 
has just struck ten. All is silent, the family having retir- 
ed to rest. The lonely hour invites to contemplation. 
The year has commenced auspiciously. The voice of 
prayer and praise has just been ascending from the dear 
family circle in which I am happily included. What so 
sweet an emblem of heaven as such a union of hearts in 
an employment, so pure and elevating. How exalted the 
privilege. Added to the interest which the beginning of 
the year awakens, is the expected approach to Christ's 
table on the morrow. The remarks of our brethren at 
the church meeting this evening, were highly appropriate 
and solemn, directing our thoughts to such passages of 
Scripture as the following : ' Behold, the hand of him 
that betrayeth me, is with me on the table.' ' Lord, is it 
I ? ' ' Who trieth the hearts and reins.' I would now in 
secret yield myself anew to Him who is the sovereign Lord 
of all, casting all my care on him who, I hope, careth for 
me as one of his people, desiring the manifestation of his 
love, the light of his reconciled countenance, a foretaste 
of salvation. May I sit under his shadow with great de- 
light, having the fruit of his ordinances sweet to my taste. 
All through his infinite mercy in Christ. Amen. 

" January 8. ' Why should a living man complain, a 
man for the punishment of his sins ? ' My great necessi- 
ties this day require me to walk softly before God, and to 
bow low at his throne of grace. I have sinned. I think 
I apprehend something of the meaning of that passage in 
the 89th Psalm : ' If his children forsake my law, and 
walk not in my judgments ; if they break my statutes, and 
keep not my commandments ; then will I visit their trans- 
gressions with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.' 
Thus runs the disciplinary part of the covenant. But the 



MEMOIR. 67 

promises follow. In them may I find refuge and peace 
after the chastisement of my heavenly Father. ' Never- 
theless, my loving kindness will I not utterly take from 
them, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant 
will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my 
lips.' O Lord, let it appear that thou art a God pardon- 
ing such as humble themselves before thee. Graciously 
bring me forth from this furnace, as gold purified. 
Thereby fit me for future duty. Direct my path. Grant 
me zeal in thy service ; and due meekness, as a necessary 
accompaniment to activity in thy vineyard. 

" January 30. Oh that I might cheerfully say, it is my 
Father, let him do what seemeth good in his sight. Help 
me, Author of grace, that my confidence may rise in pro- 
portion to the present call for it. This daily warfare is 
ordained to keep the spiritual weapons bright by constant 
use. O for strength of faith to use them successfully ! 
Heavenly Father, from this present trial wilt thou, who 
hast many times delivered, still deliver again — and again 
make me to triumph through thine aid. 

" March 22. Welcome such trials as send my affec 
tions towards heaven. Welcome such disappointments 
as do effectually teach me to rely with greater confidence 
on God. 

" I have had, of late, the conviction resting on my mind, 
and it has been strengthened by several circumstances 
which have occurred, that I ought to try to live to greater 
purpose. I have felt disposed to embark in some new en- 
terprise. I am not quite settled how to proceed. Many 
difficulties would attend the accomplishment of some 
plans, seriously contemplated. I feel the need of caution, 
because they would, no doubt, be important in their 
bearing on my subsequent life, and I know not ex- 



68 MEMOIR. 

actly how deeply they would affect my best interests. 
I will therefore leave them, and everything respecting my- 
self, in the hands of Him in whom I rejoice, as my Hope, 
my Deliverer, my Guide, my everlasting Shield. 

" May 10. A day never to be forgotten ! What un- 
looked for scenes has it revolved upon me ! It may be 
that this is the developement of what is intended by the 
mysterious impressions which have of late rested on my 
mind. The Lord guide me by his Spirit ! 

" May 19. I bless my Heavenly Father for granting 
me further enlargement in prayer, so that I am enabled to 
leave my whole case before him. I cannot tell the sweet- 
ness of this privilege. It fills my heart. It is a joy with 
which the stranger intermeddleth not. 

"May 24. (Monday evening, 10 o'clock.) I have given 
dear Harriet* the parting kiss, and said * Adieu,' for- 
ever, probably, in this world. The farewell meeting at her 
father's has been serious and tearful. Harriet took leave 
of her young friends with feelings remarkably collected. 
On her face I saw no tear. She has given herself to 
Christ and the heathen, and wishes not to go back. I won- 
dered at my own troublesome sensibilities, which I verily be- 
lieve felt all for her, which I should have felt had I been in 
her place. I could wish, were I to be called to the sacri- 
fice, to appear as she did. There was a serious dignity in 
her manner, which I shall not soon forget. But I dare not 
hope that I could maintain it under such circumstances ; 
yet I might by the aids of grace. I would do some- 
thing for my Lord. I would be peculiarly engaged in 
his service. Heavenly Father, I entreat thy direction. I 
would submit it to Thee how and where. 

* Mrs. Harriet (Lathrop) Winslow, now departing, with her companions, 
on their mission to Ceylon. 



MEMOIR. 69 

" June 29. The service of my blessed Redeemer ! 
Yes, I ask ability to engage in this service actively, suc- 
cessfully ; and grace, that, after having labored here my 
appointed time, rejoicing in my work, I may enter into 
everlasting rest in his heavenly kingdom. 

" July 1. Since the age of sixteen, how various have 
been my views and feelings, and the scenes through which 
I have been led ; how narrow have been my escapes ; how 
wretched would have been my state, had the secret wishes 
of my heart, in some particular instances, been accom- 
plished ; how dangerous, in others, would it have been, 
had my fondest hopes met a full realization. In all things 
the providence of God is wise. I am entirely satisfied 
that in every instance in which he has denied me, that 
denial has been for my good, and I rejoice. 

" July 4. (Sabbath morning.) 'The disciples were 
early at the sepulchre.' Verily I have need to ' come and 
see the place where the Lord lay. 7 O for proper appre- 
hensions, this day, of his dying love, his rising greatness, 
his continued intercession, his glorious person, his holy 
character, his divine requisitions, his complete salvation ! 
With these views may I approach his table. 

" July 6. ' God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.' 
Shall I disbelieve that the peace experienced four days 
past, is from any other than the Lord 1 No raptures, 
but a sweet calmness, and that amidst some outward 
trials, has marked my way. To my Redeemer be the 
praise ! 

" July 20. Refreshing indeed are the assurances of 
God's word to his trembling people. Soul, art thou pros- 
trate at his feet, continually seeking his teaching, his 
unerring direction 1 Oh get thee there, remain there ; 
and there drink draughts at the blessed fountain, that shall 
satisfy thy thirst ; there listen to his voice, and receive 
7 



70 MEMOIR. 

the precious promises as thine. In the strength of love 

say:— 

' Had I ten thousand hearts, dear Lord, 

I'd give them all to thee : 
Had I ten thousand tongues, they all 
Should join the harmony.' 

" July 24. (Saturday evening.) Wind of the Spirit, 
breathe on this cold, lifeless heart of mine, and wake it 
to warmth and vigor and life. I do thirst for a moment, 
sometimes, for a more abundant draught from the infinite 
fountain. 

" July 25. (Sabbath morning.) Blessed hours ! How 
elevated the employment appropriate to this day. What 
honor does it confer on mortals to be engaged in the 
work and worship of the Lord. 

" October 5. I dedicate myself anew to God. I in- 
tend to live more for him than I have done. In order 
to this, I beseech grace to be more prayerful ; to be 
punctual and faithful in self-examination ; to refrain from 
foolish conversation ; to keep a strict watch over all my 
affections, and labor after a humble, quiet, submissive 
frame of spirit. 

" October 10. (Sabbath.) Our Sabbath school had 
a visit to-day from the celebrated Lancaster, author of the 
Lancasterian system of instruction, so called. The visit 
was one of interest, and adapted to be useful. The school 
exercises closed early, and he arose to address the teach- 
ers, which he did in such a simple, affectionate, impres- 
sive manner, as was very moving to the feelings. He par- 
ticularly exhorted them to unity, and self-dedication to 
their work, together with much earnest prayer. He point- 
ed them to Christ's command to Peter, ' Feed my lambs.' 
He encouraged them to continue their labors with dili- 



MEMOIR. 71 

gence and perseverance, though immediate results should 
not appear, from the example of ' the shepherds,' who did 
not cease watching their flocks at night ; that it was 
night when the angel appeared to bring the glad tidings 
of a Saviour's birth ; it was night when the ' multitude of 
the heavenly host ' joined the angel, their voices broke 
upon the darkness with the enraptured shout, ' Glory to 
God in the highest ; on earth peace, good will to men.' 
He urged to tenderness and forbearance, from the exam- 
ple of Jacob, in his apology to Esau ; ' The children are 
tender, and the flocks and the herds that are with me, and 
if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock would 
die.' He closed with such pathos and tenderness, such 
elevated sentiment, such devotional ardor, as recalled 
forcibly to my mind the words of Milton, describing the 
effect of Raphael's discourse on Adam : 

' The angel ended, and in Adam's ear 
So charming left his voice, that he a while 
Thought him still speaking, still stood fixed to hear.' 

" October 24. Spent a very interesting hour with our 
venerable friend Mrs. Lanman, in familiar conversation on 
experimental religion." 

Mrs. Lanman was an elderly lady of great intelligence 
and excellence of character, and truly a mother in Israel. 
It is delightful to see such an one, in elevated life, using 
all her influence for Christ ; admitting the young to free- 
dom of intercourse ; counselling, encouraging, aiding 
them in the ways of truth and piety. About ten years 
afterward, on perusing the funeral sermon of Mrs. Lan- 
man, are the following remarks : " It recalled some affect- 
ing things to my mind. Well do I remember the good 



72 



MEMOIR. 



old lady's chamber of prayer, where I was first introduced 
to a circle of praying females. It appeared to me then 
as ' the gate of heaven.' " 

" November 2. ' Lord, I believe, help thou mine un- 
belief Amidst clouds and darkness, thou hast assisted 
me, as I think, to embrace in faith the promises of thy 
word. The recollection of such times gives a spring to 
my drooping spirits, and cheers me in my endeavors to 
do thy will. 

" November 13. (Saturday evening.) Well do I re- 
member the feelings which arose from a particular cir- 
cumstance one year ago this evening. Then, in this 
place, I knelt with inward as well as outward prostration. 
Then I spread my cause before God, and entreated his 
guidance. I told him my desires and griefs. I made 
known the particular temptations which surrounded me. 
I besought that I might not be brought under their power. 
I left myself with him ; I gave myself anew to him ; and 
the season was refreshing. In due time he sent me relief; 
and has left me to admire the footsteps of his providence, 
the ■ conduct of his grace.' This evening I feel called 
on afresh to praise him. How great and tender his care 
of those who seek him. ' I will give thanks unto thee for- 
ever.' 

" November 27. (Saturday evening.) The evening 
returns which has so frequently found me visiting my poor 
friends, * and I cannot but feel pain at the thought that such 
seasons, useful to myself, if not beneficial to them, have ceas- 
ed. I have been out in the little arbor at the end of the 
garden, to look across the river at their new dwelling. The 
moon shone brightly, and made the scenery appear beauti- 

* See the notice of these visits before given, pp. 33 — 36. 



MEMOIR. 73 

ful. Two or three lights from the house twinkled, and, as 
I fancied, from the rooms which they occupied. At the 
end of the path which leads from the house to the water, 
was another light, apparently held by some one about to 
embark in the boat which lies at the place. The water, 
the islands, the surrounding woods, the noisy water-fall, the 
lighted houses at the Mill village, with the steep on which 
I was, and the scenery behind me — the garden, house, 
and buildings attached — the whole presented a spectacle 
enchanting beyond description. I looked at the house 
where probably a few were thinking of me, for a little 
season, and raised my petition to heaven for them. The 
tears of memory, pity, hope, started from my eyes ; I 
could not repress them. I was reminded, too, that a pe- 
riod not far distant would find me bidding adieu to this 
charming spot. But the beauties of heaven shall be eter- 
nal ; and amidst them shall be the eternal home of all 
God's chosen ones. 

" December 8. (Wednesday.) The day which gives 
to a church in Newburyport, in which I feel a special in- 
terest, a pastor. The weather is delightful. May it be 
an emblem of all that is to follow ! 

" December 9. After the holiest duties are performed, 
how apt is the tempter to try his power on our feeble and 
vain natures. And how oft, alas ! he gains some victory, 
as a counter-balance to the victory which had just been 
won from him. Thus we struggle on. But Christ is 
stronger than the strong man armed. To all who trust in 
him, the final victory is sure — eternal triumph. 

" December 19. (Sabbath evening.) Last evening 
was observed as a season of solemn thanksgiving and 
praise to God for his mercies. 

" January 8, 1820. This day returns the anniversary 
of a most interesting occasion under date of 1818. How 
7* 



74 MEMOIR. 

fresh and sweet is the recollection of that season, when, 
with a humbled heart, I felt constrained to set apart a 
day of private fasting, and prayer to God for particular 
favors. The lonely situation of myself, sisters and broth- 
er, a family of orphans, bad produced in my mind a deep 
conviction of the necessity of some interposition in our 
behalf. After much serious and painful consideration, 
and many secret tears, it came to my mind that God 
must be ' our refuge and strength,' our ' help in time of 
trouble.' I reasoned thus : To whom shall I go, but un- 
to God ? Who else can do for us what we need 1 He is 
infinite in wisdom ; infinite in power ; infinite in mercy. 
To God will I resort. In a day set apart for this pur- 
pose, and with fasting, will I draw near to Him, earnestly 
desiring him to direct our steps, and stretch out his holy 
arm in interpositions for us, such as he shall see to be for 
our good. 

" The day was a rich blessing to my own soul. A sweet 
calmness pervaded it ; added to which was an abiding be- 
lief that God would regard my supplications ; and I be- 
lieve that my prayer has been answered. Gladly do I be- 
hold the day that brings to my recollection how great 
things God hath done for me, and the beloved ones with 
whom I am connected. Joyfully would I spend this day in 
ascriptions of praise to Him, who inclined my heart to 
wait on him, and to continue waiting ; and hath shown 
himself faithful in his covenant with the needy. 

" January 15. My field of usefulness is diminished. 
My poor friends, while they were in my neighborhood, 
called forth my sympathies, and furnished me many hours 
of interesting employment. It is a source of deep regret, 
and makes me sometimes sad, that I have no prospect of 
visiting them, or others where I might do similar kindness, 
during the inclement season ; and I am often fearful that 



MEMOIR. 75 

I shall forget those sweet charities which warmed and 
animated my bosom, while objects were near towards 
which they were cherished. I have, however, one pre- 
cious privilege and means of usefulness left. It is access 
to a throne of grace. There I may come for myself and 
others ; for individuals, churches, nations ; the whole 
household of God, a world of sinners. 

" January 27. My birth-day. The years glide away, 
and what record do they leave of me? Alas! how do 
they tell of my remisness in duty ; of the little accom- 
plished by my instrumentality. Oh to be made more 
faithful in fulfilling the purposes of my being." 

The foregoing passages, from the journal of Miss Mar- 
vin — being occasional notices, scattered through a period 
of between six and seven years — furnish a general de- 
velopement of her habits of thought and feeling during 
that time, and of the kind of life she was living. The 
developement is alike honorable to her mind and heart. 
There is manifest, it will probably be acknowledged by 
all, a vigor of intellect, a maturity of views, an accuracy 
and thoroughness of religious knowledge, a self-control, 
a reliance on the promises of God, a spirit of habitual 
devotion, a love of prayer and of doing good, a feeling 
that she was to live, not for herself, but for Christ and 
his kingdom, and a constant reference to eternity — much 
more than is usual, especially with persons in early life. 
How unlike this, to the course of one who lives for show ! 
Yet she was not a gloomy Christian. There was nothing 
of asceticism about her. There was a buoyancy of spirit, 
and a going out of herself in sympathy with those around 
her — sympathy with their joys, as well as their sorrows — 
and a heart feeling an interest in every thing, that 



76 MEMOIR. 

made her religion a cheerful religion. The prayer and 
the active service rendered by her to Christ during these 
years, constituted an amount of religious life and influ- 
ence, which could not have been spared without loss 
to the world ; and also gave presage of what was to be 
realized in her subsequent course. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Her Marriage — The views with which she entered on the duties of her new 
station. 

On the 4th of May, 1820, Miss Marvin was married to 
the Rev. Luther F. Dimmick, of Newburyport, Massa- 
chusetts, and shortly after accompanied her husband to 
the field of his labors, where she passed the remainder of 
her life. 

The views with which Mrs. Dimmick entered upon the 
duties of her new station, were in harmony with the char- 
acter she had previously exhibited. From her first thought 
of becoming the wife of a Christian minister, the subject 
presented itself to her as one of great moment. " The 
duties to which you invite me," she said, " are arduous, 
and yet of high interest. They are such as an angel 
might delight in. I am not insensible to their exalted 
nature, or to the pleasure which must flow from the faith- 
ful performance of them. But accompanying this, there 
is a painful sense of deficiency in my own case, which to 
hide would be deception, and would make future devel- 
opement doubly to be deplored. I shrink from the pros- 
pect. The ground is consecrated, I fear to tread it." 

Sentiments like these she frequently expressed while 
she had the subject under consideration, or the duties 
were in prospect. June 3, 1819. " I should never dare 



78 



MEMOIR. 



to engage in the duties of such a station, did I not rest 
upon that passage of inspired truth, ' I can do all things 
through Christ which strengthened me.' " July 3. " If 
I contemplate my future prospects, as a companion of a 
minister of the gospel, how much aid ought I fervently 
to supplicate that I may meet properly the responsibilities 
of such a station." August 8. " Will God, indeed, 
strengthen me to do something, though it should be com- 
paratively but a little, in his service. May I labor in his 
vineyard, honoring his name. This I shall account the 
highest honor to myself; an honor not always appreciat- 
ed by the world, but which shall appear in its reality in 
the future kingdom, where spiritual things shall rise in 
their glory, and Christ shall recompense his faithful ser- 
vants." " When my heart sinks, Cowper's remark comes 
to my remembrance, ' Arms shall be provided with or- 
ders.' " Aug. 17. " God has done much for me in call- 
ing me to such a service, in which he has gratified the 
peculiar taste and feelings which he has himself implant- 
ed." Nov. 21. " I find it very necessary specially to 
supplicate for myself qualifications for a service which 
appears increasingly important." 

She had prayed that God would direct in regard to the 
particular field or location, which her expected compan- 
ion and herself should occupy. Thoughts had been enter- 
tained of a mission to the heathen. Though she never had 
felt the deep conviction of duty in regard to the mission- 
ary life which some others have felt, and considered her- 
self less fitted than many others for some of its peculiar 
duties and trials, yet the surrender of herself to her Crea- 
tor was entire : " With Thee, all, all is left, do Thou thy 
sovereign pleasure." " I submit to thee how and where. 
Let thy providence and grace select, accomplish." " Lord, 
do thou direct. May God's will be my will." 



MEMOIRi 79 

When her thoughts came to be directed towards the 
place she at length occupied, the subject assuming greater 
definiteness in her view, she was still more solicitous for 
preparation to meet whatever the providence of God should 
devolve upon her. Sept. 16. " Am I at all prepared to 
enter so responsible a station? I fear that I am not." 
" Anew would I devote myself to thee, O thou King in 
Zion, great Head of the church, and to thy service. Gifts 
and grace are with Thee. Qualify me for important ser- 
vice in thy kingdom. Teach me especially, ignorant as I 
am of the peculiar duties thou mayest require, (though I 
trust congenial with the taste thou hast given me,) and 
aid me, that thy name may be glorified, and good accom- 
plished. Bestow what is needful ; supply what is lacking. 
I yield myself to Thee, to be moulded ' after the coun- 
sel of thy will.'" Sept. 19. " May heart and soul be 
fully engaged in whatever service may await me, and in 
whatever place. Give me a ' zeal according to knowl- 
edge' ; special love to the particular work I may have to 
do ; health of body, as well as soundness of mind ; and all 
meetness for the exemplary and right discharge of all to 
which I may be called." Nov. 18. "I earnestly implore 
grace to maintain constant activity in the service of 
Christ." Nov. 27. " I feel that I need an increase of 
qualifications — particularly an increase of knowledge, 
faith, and love." Dec. 8. (The day of her future hus- 
band's ordination.) " May we both be this day conse- 
crated to the service of Christ in his church by the unc- 
tion of the Holy Ghost. Remembering that we have 
been bought with His precious blood, may we devote our- 
selves faithfully to the work He shall give us to do." 
Jan. 12, 1820. "I am afraid your people are expect- 
ing more, by a great deal, than they can possibly have in 
me, and this frequently gives me uneasiness. Do try, 



80 MEMOIR. 

when you have suitable opportunity, to convince them that 
in this they must set their views very low." Jan. 23. " I 
have been seriously questioning myself as to my prepara- 
tion of heart to be the companion of a Christian minis- 
ter, and aid him in his important work. I have much 
cause for humiliation and self-abasement ; and I pray 
that all-sufficient grace may fit me for every duty that will 
devolve on me, and keep me from dishonoring that holy 
name I profess to serve and love." March 20. (Sab- 
bath evening.) " This evening I have endeavored to give 
myself to my Saviour anew for his special service. But 
I am a poor feeble creature. I do not know whether I 
ever shall do you, or the church of Christ, any good." 
" It is better, indeed, to be a little Christian, than no 
Christian; and if I can attain this, I must be grateful." 
March 27. " Make thy face to shine on me, O Lord, 
that, growing in grace, I may come to thy work with ac- 
tivity and holy zeal, to fill a place vacated by one eminent 
in piety and much beloved, [Mrs. Spring,] so as to bring 
honor to thy name. Prepare me for duty, I entreat thee." 

The passages which have now been brought to view, 
have been taken, partly from her private record, and 
partly from her letters during the period in question, the 
whole thrown together in the order in which they were 
written. They show that, in looking forward to the ser- 
vice to which she expected to be called, she sought not 
her own indulgence. It was, indeed, a service which 
would gratify the peculiar taste and feelings which God 
had given her, and the faithful performance of which, she 
felt, would afford her much pleasure. But she had not 
the most distant thought of making her position a sine- 
cure. She did not, even in her family, expect a life of 
ease ; or to live to receive good, without imparting it. It 



MEMOIR. 81 

was not congenial to her nature. Whatever considera- 
tion her station as a clergyman's wife might give her, she 
desired to lay it all on the altar of God, and use it, with 
every other possession, for his glory and the highest good 
of those among whom it should be her lot to dwell. The 
following is her first record after arriving at the place of 
her future residence. 

" Newburyport, 4th July, 1820. In this place, on this 
day, recognizing God's hand in all the past, I commence 
a new era of my life. Father of infinite mercies, I am a 
living monument that thou art God ; that thou art what 
thou hast revealed thyself, the Father of the fatherless, the 
Helper of the defenceless, the Hearer of prayer, the 
Guide of youth, the great God that doeth all things, and 
bringeth to pass all his counsel. Help me to adore and 
bless thy name, full of wonder ; assist my spirit to holy 
joy, that I am made to understand thy power and love in 
all the dispensations of thy hand toward me. Let no un- 
holy pride find entrance into my heart ; for thou per- 
formest thy works for thine own sake, for the display of 
thy sovereignty, for the exercise of thy benevolence, for 
the fulfilment of thy promise to Christ thy Son, and that 
the highest note of the redeemed may swell with the ac- 
clamation, ' Not unto us, not unto us, but to thy name 
be the glory ! ' Lord, do thou bring every power which I 
possess into captivity to thyself, and employ me wholly in 
thy service. Great is my work : let my faith and love 
also be great, and great my spirit of obedience." 



CHAPTER V. 

The province of Woman — Mrs. Dimmick's domestic virtues — Her special 
qualifications for a Clergyman's Wife. 

Much is said of the province of woman. By some, 
woman's appropriate sphere is made exceedingly narrow ; 
by others, it is made exceedingly wide. 

It is no derogation from woman's honor, to suppose that 
she is created for purposes somewhat peculiar ; that, in 
the all-wise counsels of the sovereign Creator, she is ap- 
pointed to a service in some important respects different 
from that of man. The voice of nature itself, through 
all nations and through all time, teaches that it is so. 
The very constitution of the different sexes shows them 
designed for different spheres. Man has more of strength ; 
woman has more of frailty. Man has more of roughness; 
woman has more of delicacy. 

" For contemplation he, and valor formed, 
For softness she and sweet attractive grace." 

Man has more of independence, and loves to extend 
protection ; woman has more that is confiding, and that 
rejoices under the shadow of another's care. Man has — 
or should have — a certain something which we call man- 



MEMOIR. 83 

linens. Woman has a certain something different from 
this, which we call womanliness. Each, in the subject to 
which it appropriately belongs, is beautiful, excellent, 
admirable ; but each, transferred to the opposite sex, is 
out of place and awakens repugnance. An effeminate 
man — a masculine woman — no one delights to contemplate 
such an object. 

The two classes, therefore, judging from the very con- 
stitution of their being, are manifestly designed for differ- 
ent courses of action. Man is fitted for the severer du- 
ties — for the forum, the senate-chamber, the judge's bench, 
the toils of the field, the scenes of the stormy ocean. 
Woman is fitted for calmer avocations. Woman's sphere 
is, primarily, her house. "Where is Sarah, thy wife?" 
said the Infinite One to the father of the faithful. " And 
he said, Behold, in the tent ! " Beautiful picture ! Woman 
is the light of her house ; she is the ministering angel 
to her household ; the presiding genius in the domestic 
establishment ; the life, the animating spirit, the adorning, 
of all we mean by the sacred word Home ! 

It is in view of the considerations now mentioned, that 
the apostle gives his directions on this subject. " Let 
your women keep silence in the churches : for it is not 
permitted unto them to speak. . . . For it is a shame for 
women to speak in the church." " I suffer not a woman 
to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in 
silence." The rougher employments, the bolder, do not 
become her ; she was not made for them. Among the 
twelve apostles, there was no woman appointed — not one. 
Among the seventy disciples, we are not informed that a 
single woman was included. 

But, on the other hand, the views obtained from these 
expressions of the apostle, and these facts in scriptural 
history, respecting the province of woman, are not to be 



84 



MEMOIR. 



so pressed as to preclude her from engaging in any but 
strictly family cares. Miriam, and Deborah, and Hul- 
dah, were prophetesses, acting, in some sense, in public 
capacities, and some of them at least uttering responses 
in the name of the Lord. Deborah, indeed, told Barak, 
that on him it devolved to lead in the enterprise of conduct- 
ing Israel against their enemies. But when he declined, 
she took the responsibility on herself, adding, " notwith- 
standing the journey that thou takest shall not be for 
thine honor ; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand 
of a woman." It was not the appropriate business of 
woman to stand at the head of this movement, but of man. 
If man failed in duty, the exigency might justify woman 
in doing what would not otherwise have been so proper. 
Yet even this was done, doubtless, as also the acts of the 
others mentioned, in a manner comporting with the 
modesty appropriate to the female character. Anna was 
a prophetess, and " departed not from the temple, but 
served God with fastings and prayers night and day," in a 
manner, without question, becoming the modesty of her 
sex. Philip, the evangelist, " had four daughters, vir- 
gins, which did prophecy," in retired ways it is to be 
presumed, and such as were dictated by female delicacy, 
exerting many influences for the advancement of religion, 
and perhaps speaking sometimes by inspiration of the 
Spirit. Phebe was a " servant of the church at Cenchrea." 
Paul says, " Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in 
the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored 
much in the Lord." And again, " Help those women 
which labored with me in the gospel." They labored, 
unquestionably, in a manner consonant with his own 
rules ; if it had not been so, he would not have spoken 
thus commendingly of them. 

There is a work for woman, then, directly connected 



MEMOIR. 85 

with the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. Be- 
sides " looking well to the ways of her own household," 
besides " stretching out her hand to the poor and to the 
needy," imitating the example of Dorcas, who was " full 
of good works and alms-deeds which she did," she may, 
in retired and modest ways, speak for God ; may " labor 
much in the Lord ;" may labor, in an appropriate way, 
and subject to apostolic rules, in private counsel, instruc- 
tion and prayer, thus aiding the commissioned minister 
of God in the gospel. Indeed, woman never appears in 
her true glory, till her heart is thus expanded ; till, as 
opportunity offers, she has, in her gentle and persuasive 
eloquence, a word of admonition for the wayward, of 
consolation for the sorrowing, of instruction for the igno- 
rant, of direction for the inquiring. Her winning influ- 
ence, which finds its way to the heart where rougher en- 
deavors are repelled, it is her duty, as it is her glory, to 
consecrate to Christ and his cause. 

Especially is this required in the wife of a clergyman. 
Some one has said, that a woman may lead an inquirer to 
her pastor. Why may she not lead an inquirer to 
Christ ? If God has given her an understanding adequate, 
and a heart to feel and pray, and a tongue to speak, and 
she meets with one asking what he shall do to be saved, 
why shall she not herself direct him to the cross — to " the 
Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world," 
relying on almighty grace to make her endeavors the 
means of eternal life to a perishing soul ? (< I am de- 
prived," says Calvin, " of the most excellent of partners 
for life — optima socia vitcB — who, had it been necessary, 
would have been my willing companion not only in ban- 
ishment and want, but in death itself. During her life 
she was a true helper in my official duties." 

Mrs. Dimmick passed between the two extremes. She 
8* 



86 MEMOIR. 

did not neglect her house. So far as duty required, she 
was, like the ancient exemplar, " in the tent." She was 
the light of her house ; the presiding genius in the man- 
agement of its affairs ; the enlivener of all the sweet 
charities that bless the family circle ; laboring to fulfil 
woman's great destiny in this most important station of 
her earthly existence. The vision of the perfect woman, 
presiding and directing in all the affairs of her house, 
and conferring blessings on her household, was before her 
mind, and she endeavored, as far as practicable in this im- 
perfect state, to realize it in her life. 

Among the virtues that shone in Mrs. Dimmick's man- 
agement of her house, was frugality. Waste gave her 
pain. Extravagance was opposed to all the sentiments she 
was accustomed to cherish. As a friend has observed since 
her departure, she " had a modest taste." In dress, in 
furniture, she was ready to do with as little as was con- 
sistent with her station. Her table was spread with things 
wholesome and abundant, but not lavish in dainties. " In 
every thing," as a judicious obituary, soon after her de- 
cease, expresses it, " her desire was, with decent simplicity, 
to make her family and friends comfortable, rather than 
incur expense for needless things." 

In her house she was also a pattern of industry. She 
had no idle time. It was a settled principle with her, that 
life was given to be employed ; and though in her sta- 
tion, many duties devolved on her of a peculiar character, 
different from household cares, yet, as the mistress of 
a family she was abundantly diligent. In the numerous 
duties pertaining to woman at the head of her house, 
she accomplished more than many who have these avoca- 
tions alone to pursue. Her life was a carrying out of the 
remark made of her early years ; " she was never known 
to be idle." 



MEMOIR. 87 

Her versatility, or the ease with which she could turn 
from one duty or employment to another, was striking ; 
from superintending some culinary process, for instance, to 
the entertaining of company, and from company back to the 
previous duty — from her needle, to redress the grievances 
of a child, or hear a lesson, and this despatched, back to 
the needle again. Whatever might be her particular en- 
gagement, a superior claim always found her ready to re- 
linquish it. Nor was the interruption attended with 
peevishness, as is too often the case ; it was met with good 
nature and cheerfulness. The remark of another was 
frequently repeated by her, in connection with incidents 
of this sort ; " The one who wishes to see me, is the one 
I wish to see." 

She delighted in making her house the seat of hospi- 
tality. One of the sources of satisfaction in having a 
house of her own was, that it might be for the entertain- 
ment of friends. In a letter of July 28, 1824, she alludes 
to this subject. Some apprehension having been expressed 
that she was doing more than her strength would enable 
her to sustain, she replied, " It is the natural result of 
the station we fill. I trust we shall ever be able to use 
hospitality without grudging. I can assure you, from ex- 
perience, that there is much real satisfaction in the prac- 
tice of this virtue. It contains a double blessing ; it 
blesses him that gives, as well as him that receives. The 
apostle enjoins, ' Be not forgetful to entertain strangers ; 
for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.' I 
often find this the delightful result ; at least, those who 
are the care of angels, and who shortly will be ' as 
the angels,' are thus brought to my acquaintance. Who 
can but delight to open his door and his heart to a fellow- 
pilgrim journeying the same way to the same heavenly 
home with himself, surrounded by the same enemies, and 



88 MEMOIR. 

animated by the same spirit, and serving the same Lord? 
I am too happy in the duty of entertaining friends, 
especially Christian friends, to be willing to lay aside or 
diminish aught from the practice." 

Mrs. Dimmick diffused around her, in her house, an air 
of cheerfulness. She made her guests feel that they were 
welcome, and thus put them at ease. Her intercourse 
with them was intellectual, as well as social and moral, 
tending to improve the mind and the heart. At a very 
early period, her views were incidentally expressed on this 
subject. " May my house be ordered after the rules of 
God's word. May all who shall be around me witness 
correctness of habits, prudence in management, kindness 
and sweetness of temper, in all circumstances proceed- 
ing from a principle of love to God and love to men — a 
supreme desire to glorify Christ before the world, that his 
kingdom may be promoted." This was her idea of her 
house, that it should be held for God, and be the abode 
of frugality, industry, hospitality, all the virtues that ren- 
der a family and visiters happy, and all the influences 
that favor the higher interests of another state of exis- 
tence. 

In the religious instruction of her household she was 
specially diligent. The Sabbath school lesson of the chil- 
dren was repeated to her, usually Saturday afternoon, and 
pains were taken that they should well understand it. It 
was her wish that each child should commit to memory 
entire the Assembly's Shorter Catechism ; which was done 
by all who had been under her care a sufficient length of 
time. Sabbath evening she would often repeat with them 
this compend of Christian doctrine, that it might be kept 
fresh in their minds, and for her own satisfaction also ; 
speaking of the benefit which had accrued to herself from 
having learned it in her youth, and the pleasure its truths 



MEMOIR. 89 

still afforded her, and urging their importance to the 
young mind. Once a week, usually Saturday evening, it 
was her custom to spend a season — half an hour, some- 
times an hour — with those in her employ, in serious con- 
versation about spiritual things, and especially their own 
spiritual welfare. To this evidently it may be traced, in 
connection with the more general influences which she 
exerted, that a large proportion of those who resided 
with her, during the years of her house-keeping, were 
spiritually benefitted in her family — a number having there 
received their first abiding religious impressions, and 
commenced the Christian life. 

Mrs. Dimmick extended her beneficence beyond the 
circle of her own family. The poor, the afflicted, the in- 
firm, the aged who had few friends, drew forth her pecu- 
liar sympathy. The developements of her early life in 
regard to this subject, were only a sample of what con- 
tinued substantially to the end. There seemed ever reign- 
ing in her bosom much of the sentiment commended by our 
Saviour ; " When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the 
maimed, the lame, the blind ; and thou shalt be blessed ; 
fof they cannot recompense thee ; for thou shalt be recom- 
pensed at the resurrection of the just." It gave her a 
rich satisfaction, when it could be done, to invite such to 
her house. Often, too, was a plate sent from her table, 
with a portion for some needy one. According to her 
means, she was ever ready and prompt to do good to 
all. 

Mrs. Dimmick had a great reverence for age. It was 
her delight to honor it, and minister to its necessities. 
" What dignity attaches to age," she remarked, " especial- 
ly when found in the way of righteousness ; when the 
mind is stored with wisdom, and the heart with the graces 
of piety. It surpasses all the excellence of youth, and is an 



90 MEMOIR. 

object on which the eye loves to dwell." The passages 
of the Bible relating to this subject, she highly appreciat- 
ed. " Honor thy father and thy mother." "Thou shalt 
rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the 
old man, and fear thy God." And she thought it one 
of the most appalling indications of depravity, and one of 
the darkest presages of approaching evil, when " the child 
behaves himself proudly against the ancient, and the base 
against the honorable." No decrepitude, bending under 
a weight of years, or poverty, or obscurity, could turn 
away her regard from age. She saw in it what God 
requires us to honor, and toward which her heart rose up 
spontaneously in obedience to his command. 

But the labors of Mrs. Dimmick were not simply the 
domestic duties, and common charities, now alluded to. 
Beyond this circle, indeed, what she attempted, was at- 
tempted with an habitual regard to what she believed to 
be woman's appropriate sphere. To the voice of nature, 
through all times and in all countries, assigning woman 
a work corresponding to her fragile frame and shrinking 
mind, she did not stop her ears. To the teachings of the 
Scriptures on this subject, as on others, she felt it her 
honor to yield the most ready obedience. The scrip- 
tural rule was to her no galling yoke, but a rule of light 
and of love. 

On the other hand, what liberty God allowed her, what 
opportunities he opened before her, and what ability he 
had given her to be useful to her fellow-creatures — these 
she wished to use, all of them, in his service and to his 
glory. She was not one of those who inquire how little 
they may do — how narrow they may make the circle of 
their influence — without forfeiting the Christian character 
and the favor of God. She rather inquired how much 
she might do — over how wide a circle she might spread 



MEMOIR. 91 

her influence — and labored to fill that circle with as many 
acts of duty as she had strength to perform. 

Mrs. Dimmick had some peculiar qualifications for a 
minister's wife. As a helper to her husband in the pecu- 
liar work of his profession, few probably have surpassed 
her. Mention might be made here of her assiduities in 
sickness, which were such as to merit the most grateful 
remembrance. No toils, no watchings, were in her es- 
teem too much to be endured. The nurse shone in her 
with impressive faithfulness. But more than this — and 
more appropriately pertaining to the theme mentioned — 
in her character she was intellectual. She was a lover 
of knowledge. Though a slender constitution, as already 
remarked, prevented her, during many of her first years, 
from tasking herself in the schools as others did, yet, be- 
side the common branches of education, she early made 
herself acquainted with the more important branches of 
history, and some of the best poets and works of taste. 

After she became a clergyman's wife, and had family 
and parochial cares, she still redeemed time for reading. 
In the line of religious reading alone, besides many other 
volumes, large and small, and besides periodical and news- 
paper articles, constantly occurring, she early read Scott's 
Commentary on the Scriptures entire ; then Henry's Com- 
mentary entire ; and in the last two or three years of her 
life, Adam Clark's Commentary entire. The last men- 
tioned, in particular, has, through all its parts, numerous 
marks made by her hand, against passages that struck her 
with peculiar interest or force, showing that it was read 
with care. 

Among her papers is a slip containing a " list of books 
read in 1825," and another, " a list read in 1826." The 
authors on whom she bestowed her attention were such as 
follow : Foster, Buck, Mason, Flavel, Erskine, Irving, 



92 MEMOIR. 

Wilberforce, Orton, Rambach, Butler, Baxter, Dwight, 
Marshall, Milner, Davies ; beside the smaller works that 
fell in her way. The list entire would show a large 
amount of intellectual labor performed. This may serve 
as a hint to those who think they cannot get time to read. 
Mrs. Dimmick was not, indeed, encumbered with the care 
of young children ; yet she had a family, and besides 
that not a few extraneous duties to perform. 

It ought to be stated in connection with the things now 
brought to view, that Mrs. Dimmick was at this time 
favored with having a sister with her. This sister, Miss 
Penelope Jarvis Marvin, a little older than herself, came 
to reside with her soon after her marriage, and continued 
with her till her own marriage, in 1826. By this sister, 
between whom and herself there was the warmest attach- 
ment, Mrs. Dimmick was relieved, in part, in regard to 
household cares, and was enabled thus to devote more 
time to reading, and the other objects mentioned, than 
she could otherwise have done. 

The love of reading was often of signal service to her 
husband. During their married life, they generally had 
some book of interest to both, to read together ; the reading 
of which was performed by her, while it was his privilege 
to hear. Every man — and especially every clergyman 
— has some iccary hours, in which he is unfit for any men- 
tal exertion. He can throw himself down, and receive 
knowledge if it is brought him — rest, and be instructed 
at the same time. In these hours, and in some days of 
partial illness, Mrs. Dimmick's services in this respect 
have been of signal benefit. Many are the volumes and 
periodicals and pamphlets, which she and her husband 
have thus gone through together. 

Her reading, moreover, especially of the lighter and 
ephemeral productions, in many instances, furnished her 



MEMOIR. 93 

husband with a general view of their character, without 
the trouble, on his part, of perusing them, any striking 
passages being marked for his benefit. Beside all which 
it qualified her to be a profitable companion intellectually, 
as well as in humbler pursuits. 

While Mrs. Dimmick had an intellectual character, she 
had also a nature susceptible of the highest feeling. 
Some individuals are constituted with a very clear and 
accurate mind, capable of intellectual effort, but are de- 
ficient in heart ; the power of emotion lies dormant, or 
exists in them in but an imperfect degree. Others again 
are constituted to feel strongly — are often the subjects of 
powerful emotion — to whom discriminating and sound 
judgment is not given for its regulation. In Mrs. Dim- 
mick there was a combination of the intellectual and the 
moral in very just proportions. While she had a mind to 
appreciate truth, she had also a heart to feel in view of it. 
There was nothing of the stoic about her. Her soul 
was instinct with life ; and from whatever quarter truth 
reached her, there was a waking up of warm responding 
sentiments. When she thought of God, there was devo- 
tion, emotions of reverence and praise ; when she 
thought of Christ, there was love and thankfulness for 
his great salvation ; when she thought of the past, she 
seemed herself to live over again its scenes ; when she 
thought of the future, it was present to her in some de- 
gree as a reality. The worlds of science and taste, as far 
as she had entered these departments, met an active 
response from her bosom. Towards heaven, all her inner 
powers kindled. While, on the other hand, the sentiment 
of the Psalmist was her's, " Horror hath taken hold upon 
me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law." 

This balance in her character — the power to think, and 
the power to feel — strong in both its parts, her friends 
9 



94 MEMOIR. 

cannot but love to contemplate, in praise of the good- 
ness which made her so, and in hope that her example 
may be of use in promoting similar traits in others. 

One of the ways in which Mrs. Dimmick rendered aid 
to her husband in his ministerial work, was that of stand- 
ing between him and interruptions from company. Every 
pastor, indeed, has need to mingle with men ; with the 
church and people of his charge, and with such portions 
of the great world as may be moving around him. Yet 
the pastor cannot be always in company. He must have 
his secluded hours — hours free from interruption. More 
than this, the choicest part of his time he must live in his 
study, if he would prosecute effectually the ministry which 
he has received. And highly favored may he consider 
himself, if he has a companion gifted with the powers of 
conversation, who is able and ready to entertain such 
company as he cannot conveniently see ; who can be his 
representative, to some extent, in the intercourse of social 
life, and report to him whatever of passing information it 
may be important for him to possess. Such a companion 
is a connecting link between him and his people, of great 
value ; doing a work, often, which he could not do, and 
saving him his time for the higher duties of the study — 
the careful and profound investigations of truth — without 
which no ministry can be permanently successful. 

And few wives of clergymen, probably, have rendered 
their husbands more valuable service in this respect, than 
the subject of this Memoir. She possessed a talent for 
conversation, above what is ordinary. It met her taste to 
mingle with intelligent minds and especially with such as 
are usually inclined to visit a clergyman's house. She 
often felt visits from such to be profitable to herself; and 
when it was otherwise, if she could make them profitable 



MEMOIR. 95 

to others, she was satisfied, and rejoiced in the good ac- 
complished. 

Her ideas of the Christian ministry — of its ends and 
duties — were of the most enlarged and elevated kind. 
She viewed the ministry as one ofthe leading institutions 
of God, and it was sacred in her esteem. To aid the 
ministry she deemed her highest honor, as it was her 
highest delight. Her conversations in regard to the min- 
istry — its duties, and the methods of performing them — 
were instructive and profitable. In speaking with her 
on these themes, the individual always felt that he was 
conversing with one who had thoughts worthy to be listen- 
ed to — a judgment not lightly to be disregarded. Her 
suggestions were of value, often, in respect to topics for 
discourses, to meet the exigencies of the times ; supplied 
hints, not unfrequently, towards the filling out of their 
parts, or making them better for a second delivery after 
she had heard them ; and were much in place in regard 
to the manner of their delivery. Further than this, when, 
in the hurry of composition, her husband has wanted a 
historical fact, or a scrap of poetry, her memory has fre- 
quently supplied him with the reference, or her industry, 
cheerfully withdrawn from other avocations, has sought it 
out for him. Services of this kind have been too numer- 
ous and valuable, and too cheerfully rendered, to be easily 
forgotten. 

Mrs. Dimmick's sympathies, as well as a sense of duty, 
led her to be a frequent visitant at the houses of sickness 
and affliction. What she had done in this respect, in 
earlier years, had been a school qualifying her for such 
services. Her visits at such places are believed to have 
been always acceptable, often strongly desired, and 
manifestly useful. Beside any little temporal aid she 
might afford, when it was needed, her kind interest usual- 



96 MEMOIR. 

ly awakened an interest in return. Her affectionate coun- 
sels, by the side of the sick bed, or to the sorrowing heart, 
were soothing, and always tended to direct the sufferer to 
the true source of help. She had the faculty of discrimi- 
nating in regard to different cases, and urging the need- 
ful truth with peculiar fidelity and tenderness, to which 
was added, frequently, prayer with the afflicted, fervent, 
from the warmth of her heart. 

She had more than ordinary skill in directing inquirers 
on the subject of religion. She was accustomed, gen- 
erally, when circumstances allowed, to accompany her 
husband to those more private meetings appointed for 
the serious minded for personal conversation, where males 
and females were mingled together ; and her conversa- 
tion in these meetings with different individuals was often 
of great value ; it was discriminating, it was decided, it 
was faithful. Those who were anxious to find the right 
way loved to have her speak to them ; and not a few 
are the cases in which benefit was received from the words 
of her lips ; some instruction conveyed to the mind, or 
some doubt resolved, or some weak purpose strengthened, 
or some conviction deepened — something done, towards 
the grand result of reconciliation to God and eternal life. 

Many also were the hours which she spent at her own 
house with individuals who called expressly to converse 
with her in regard to their spiritual interests. " No other 
one," said an individual who had thus done, " was ever 
so great a help to me, in leading me to the strait gate, if 
indeed I ever found it. She had the power of choosing 
out acceptable words." In cases of difficulty, doubt, 
timidity, embarrassment, she was patient, and acted with 
good judgment and fidelity. Time, which, under some 
circumstances, a pastor can with difficulty spare, she 
could more conveniently bestow. And it was bestowed 



M E M O I n . 97 

always cheerfully ; and it is believed that the record of 
such labors, in the light of another world, will disclose a 
high amount of good thus accomplished. 

The Sabbath school, after her settlement in life, as be- 
fore, continued to be a chosen field of her labor. She 
was still an efficient teacher, and for several years an as- 
sistant to the superintendent in the female department ; 
and was rarely absent from her place, when at home and 
in health. The sickness which terminated in her death, 
alone separated her permanently from this employment. 

In the female prayer-meeting she felt a deep interest, 
and made effort to render it useful. Before she came to 
her new place of residence, she says, " It gave me much 
satisfaction to know that there are with you female meet- 
ings for fasting and prayer ; much good may be hoped 
from such meetings." When she came, she entered into 
them with her characteristic ardor. 

For many years, moreover, she was connected with the 
Female Orphan Asylum of Newburyport, as a member 
of its Board of Managers ; and " was considered emi^ 
nently qualified," " both by her mental accomplishments, 
and judicious councils, to preside or aid in the manage- 
ment of this or any society." 

A passage from the " obituary," mentioned on a former 
page, may properly be inserted here. 

" As the wife of a clergyman, and in the peculiar du- 
ties devolving on her in that station, she shone perhaps 
more brightly than in any other relation. She not only 
cherished in her own breast the peculiar doctrines of the 
gospel, but she also earnestly desired their universal preva- 
lence and reception. To witness their influence in her 
own heart, as a rule of action, and producing their legiti- 
mate fruits, we must go with Mrs. Dimmick in her more; 
9 * 



9W MEMOIR. 

retired walks. We must accompany her to the dwellings 
of the poor, to the chamber of the sick, to the bedside 
of the dying, and to the house of sorrow and mourning, 
and witness her private charities, listen to her sympa- 
thizing consolations and counsels, witness her tears, and 
hear her direct them all to the Great Physician of body 
and soul — and then lead those of her own sex, in the 
fervent prayer of faith, to that Almighty Physician and 
Saviour. We must accompany her to the stated female 
prayer meeting, and witness with what fervor, earnest- 
ness and perseverance, like one of old, she wrestled 
with God, for spiritual blessings on his church, and on 
the world ! and almost, like him,, refused to be denied! 
We must go with her as she accompanied her husband to 
the meeting for inquiry of those awakened to a convic- 
tion of their lost condition and anxious for their immor- 
tal souls — and we must follow her from seat to seat, or 
attend such anxious souls to her own retired parlor, and 
there listen to her faithful yet affectionate enforcement of 
their convictions, and there hear her urge them to the 
cross. 

" In scenes like these was the deceased best known. 
Here were the brightest developements of her Christian 
character ; here her brightest evidences of her meetness for 
those rewards on which we confidently trust she has en- 
tered. In such scenes were manifested her peculiarly ap- 
propriate qualifications for a pastor's wife ; as an efficient 
helper in his labors. 

" Her heart harmonized with all the great movements 
of the day for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom 
in the world ; to the most important of which she was 
accustomed to make her annual offering, to the extent of 
her ability." 



CHAPTER VI. 

Passages from her Journal, 1820—1829. 

What follows, along with some devotional passages, 
will be a confirmation of the remarks made in the latter 
part of the preceding chapter. Mrs. Dimmick's tendency 
to review the past is still manifest, and to gather instruc- 
tion and encouragement from it for future life. 

At an earlier date than this, she speaks of a sermon by 
her pastor, Rev. Alfred Mitchell. " It was to me," she 
says. " It enforced the duty of making eras of the times 
of particular providences, and of observing them afterward 
as seasons of deep consideration and renewed dedica- 
tion to the service of God." This thought went with her 
in her subsequent course. 

" Oct. 16, 1820. I sometimes look back on the past 
years of my life as a troubled ocean, where I have been 
tossed and driven by adverse and conflicting winds ; yet 
amidst all, I can trace many bright days, when sunshine 
and soft breezes have calmed the swelling waves, and 
gladdened my heart. I look upon its agitations, its sun- 
shine, its calms, with a feeling of gratitude for the mer- 
cies enjoyed, and with keen regret that in all there has 
been so much to censure, so little to commend. May 



1 00 MEMOIR. 

God pardon all that has been displeasing in his sight, and 
if any thing, through his holy Spirit's influence, has been 
right, graciously accept it, and use it to glorify his own 
name ! 

" Oct. 20. O thou who hast set me in so responsible a 
place, purify me for thy service, and let my qualifications 
be equal to my need ! Above all other things I would en- 
treat a truly devoted heart, which shall not linger in duty, 
or be unmindful of it in its season. 

" Oct. 22. (Sabbath evening.) What a work is there 
before me. Every day my duties are weighty — not a few 
of them like the following : to comfort the afflicted ; to 
soothe the wounded spirit ; to visit and converse with the 
sick and dying; to warn, reprove, exhort, in retired ways, 
and labor to win precious souls to Christ; to be always, 
and in all circumstances, an example to others ; to show 
forth patience, forbearance, humility ; to be all things to 
all men for their good. O that God would help me, and 
accept my humble endeavors in his service ! 

" Oct. 25. The active busy scenes of this world do 
not necessarily destroy holy feeling. It is the corrupt 
state of our own hearts which gives them their power 
over us. In respect to all lawful avocations, we should 
serve God in them, and then we should be safe. 

" Oct. 31. My heart never appeared more prone to 
evil, than now. I have lost that sweet comfort which I 
once possessed with little interruption. O God ! who hast 
sheltered me amidst many calamities, leave me not now 
to my spiritual foes. I wait for thy salvation. 

"Nov. 19. (Sabbath morning.) Just going to the 
Lord's table. O that I might have better preparation. 
Will God teach me what I am, and give me supreme de- 
sires for his glory, and suitable desires for my own eter- 
nal happiness, and the happiness of my fellow men ! 



MEMOIR. 101 

" Nov. 22. (Thanksgiving day.) A day which calls 
me to a review of my mercies — mercies innumerable ! 
Among them may be reckoned my opportunities for serv- 
ing my Redeemer. I have a work like that of angels j 
O for a zeal like theirs ! that I may perform, like them, 
every errand of mercy, with a mind filled with holy love, 
and energy warm and heavenly ! 

" Nov. 23. My morning visits have been pleasant — the 
Lord make them a means of good. It was pleasant to 
give thanks with Mrs. B. who seemed enlivened ; and I 
thought her nurse appeared affected by the conversation. 
Mrs. L. was also tender. O that God would bless our 
conversation to her spiritual benefit. I go again to my 
work ; the Lord grant me grace, and glorify his own 
name. 

" Nov. 29. It seems needful for me, that prospects 
should sometimes darken, that I may feel, He doeth all 
things well ; for I am never so disposed to trust him, and 
live on his grace, as at such seasons. 

" Dec. S. The anniversary of my husband's ordina- 
tion. Blessed be the Lord who hath given success to his 
ministry, and made him instrumental of gathering twenty- 
six into the church this first year of his ministerial ser- 
vice ; though, without doubt, in good part, he hath enter- 
ed into the labors of his respected predecessor. 

" As for myself, I would ask renewed strength and ho- 
liness of heart, that I may show forth the praises of my 
Redeemer ; and upon my beloved husband may all heav- 
enly influences descend, qualifying him for every future 
duty. 

" Wilt thou, Great Head of the church, bless this hum- 
ble spot, [her husband's study,] dedicated to thee, and to 
preparation for thy service. Here may heavenly wisdom 
descend, silently and sweetly into the bosom of thy ser- 



102 MEMOIR. 

vant. Here may sacred science enlighten his understand- 
ing, and holy devotion warm his heart. From this place 
may he ever go to the sanctuary, to the altar, and to his 
various labors, with a prepared heart and all due qualifi- 
cation to serve thee. 

" Dec. 22. Anniversary of the Landing of our Fore- 
fathers at Plymouth, and the second centennial occasion. 
This day should be deeply interesting to every New-Eng- 
lander. A little band whose hearts God had touched 
with every noble sentiment, sat down in a howling wil- 
derness, amidst December's snows. Their little colony 
they nourished by their labors, watered with their tears, 
and sanctified by their prayers. Who shall not cherish 
their memory ? Who shall not render praise to God for 
what he has done by them for the world's benefit ? 

" December 30. Have just been reading the book 
of Job. What successive afflictions came upon him, 
after his high prosperity. How painful the message 
last brought him, ' the young men (thy sons) are 
dead.' Yet what an inimitable example of submission 
follows these heavy tidings. What a testimony is added : 
1 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.' 
With the wreck of all his prosperity around him, and his 
dearest comforts blasted in death, not a murmur escaped 
him ! How ashamed should we be of our daily murmur- 
ings at Providence. Lord, enable me to bear small trials, 
and thus prepare me for greater ones, shouldest thou see 
fit to send them. 

" Jan. 14, 1821. We were last week favored with a 
visit from Mr. Ward, for twenty years a missionary in In- 
dia. He appears a warm-hearted and devoted man. Fif- 
ty dollars were collected for the benefit of his mission. 

" Jan. 20. Visited yesterday in a social circle. Was 
desirous that I might exhibit more decision of Christian 



MEMOIR. 103 

character than is often the case. I determined to say- 
something for Christ. And yet it was so little that I have 
occasion to ask forgiveness. 

" I have an appointment to visit the alms-house this af- 
ternoon, with a friend, to converse with the poor inmates 
on religion. Such a task has been, before now, one that 
has yielded me profit and pleasure. It is a satisfaction I 
would not willingly part with, to reflect that I have been 
permitted to minister to their comfort, that my heart has 
been softened to a fellow feeling with theirs, that I have 
in many respects carried their griefs on my mind, and 
borne their interests, temporal and spiritual, to the throne 
of grace. Father, I thank thee, for having employed me 
in this humble yet grateful service. May I have assis- 
tance in my work this afternoon. 

" Jan. 27. My birth-day — a continuance of blessings, 
and I fear of equal ingratitude. The day was made pe- 
culiarly interesting by visiting the sick, from the infant to 
the 'man of gray hairs.' 

" Feb. 15. I mourn that I do so little for God. This 
sitting still, or remissness in duty, is as fatal to Christian 
comfort and hope, as it is to the salvation of impenitent 
men. I feel that for my own benefit I must be employed 
in some definite exertions for the promotion of Christ's 
kingdom. This, and this alone, will bring into exercise 
the affections, the Christian sympathies, the whole train of 
Christian graces which the gospel requires, and afford the 
desired evidence that the possessor is an heir of heaven. 

"Feb. 18. (Sabbath.) Returned from the commun- 
ion table. ' Bless the Lord, O my soul,' that I am not 
a heathen, sunk in ignorance, buried beneath the shades 
of moral death. For what would I be deprived of the 
knowledge I have of God, of Christ, of the Holy Spirit, of 
heaven, of hell ? O that my heart might be more in con- 



104 MEMOIR. 

formity with the truths 1 know ; and may God pity the 
dying, and make haste with his salvation to the ends of 
the earth. 

" March 16. The day made particularly interesting by 
entertaining pious literary friends ; conversation suited 
at once to enlarge and purify the mind. 

" March IS. (Sabbath.) Seven persons have been add- 
ed to our church to-day, four of whom received the ordi- 
nance of baptism. A household of children have also 
been devoted to God in this ordinance of his appoint- 
ment. Who could be willing to dispense with an insti- 
tution so impressively reminding parents of their duties 
to their children, and so forcibly bringing to view the 
provisions of God's covenant in respect to them ? Let 
but the import of this sacred service be remembered, and 
carried out in practice, and one of the greatest steps would 
be taken towards the universal prevalence of the kingdom 
of Christ. 

"March 21. Spent the former part of the day in 
special prayer, that I may have more holiness myself, and 
be more devoted to my great work, and also that God 
will pour out his Spirit on the people. In the latter part 
of the day, visited a neighbor who appears gently sink- 
ing to the grave — calm, elevated in her views of God, of 
Christ, of heaven. She seemed on the borders of that 
better country where an eternal end is put to sin and sor- 
row, and where, as she herself expressed it, ' there is 
such enlargement of the capacity of the soul to compre- 
hend and to enjoy. 5 I felt myself instructed and melted, 
and was enabled with her to bless the Lord, and suppli- 
cate his further favors. Visited another house, where 
were feebleness and age ; but the spirit manifested — alas, 
how different ! To introduce religious conversation was 
difficult. If religion was hinted at, the subject was treat- 



MEMOIR. 105 

ed as something foreign and strange. The contrast was 
painful. Can these individuals, so different in their re- 
ligious character and dispositions, be preparing for the 
same heaven ? Can they enjoy the same objects ? It 
seems impossible. 

" March 25. I find that the company even of Chris- 
tian friends may ensnare the heart, and rob us of com- 
munion with our God. How careful should we be, that 
nothing interfere with our seasons of retirement and de- 
votion. 

"April 1. A paragraph in the Boston Recorder re- 
cently struck me with great force. Speaking of minis- 
ters' wives, it said, ' They will not have a common jjlace 
either in heaven or hell ! ' I tremble to be in a station of 
such responsibility. I need more grace — more grace that 
I may act my part aright. Especially in visiting the sick 
do I often feel this need : that my heart may be full of 
holy sympathies with them ; that on my tongue there 
may dwell the law of kindness, while from my lips the 
law of truth may not depart. My thoughts should be 
more on the work of my life — the advancement of the 
kingdom of Christ. 

" April 15. Visited the alms-house yesterday. Found 
but very few who thought seriously on the subject of re- 
ligion. In the community also very few are inquiring 
after the great salvation. Earth, and not heaven, to all 
appearance, has the first thoughts and choicest affections 
of the great majority of men. 

"May 3. I have been to the female concert this after- 
noon, and have spent most of the day in reflection, read- 
ing, and prayer, with the hope that I may think less of 
earth, and more of heaven. Eight persons are to be ad- 
mitted to our church shortly. 

" May 4. I thank thee for having given me so much 
10 



106 MEMOIR. 

health the year past, and for opportunity of so extensive 
acquaintance with the people, and especially with the 
poor of the flock. 

" May 13. How can I be useful as the wife of a cler- 
gyman, without extensive knowledge of spiritual things, 
and fervent love for them 1 I am in a situation where I 
ought daily to speak to others on the great subject of re- 
ligion, and if I do not feel deeply its power in my own 
heart, what a lifeless attempt it will be ! I would consider 
it my highest honor to live for God ; yet I am not what 
I ought to be, to do him service. I want increased cour- 
age and increased ardor. 

" May 25. Oh that I might have a better view of the 
worth of an immortal soul ! How vast a prospect opens 
before it, as it is launching away into eternity ! I had 
some impressive thoughts of it yesterday, when I visited 
Mrs. F. It was hard to tear away the hope she cherished 
of recovery ; but it seemed a kind step to undeceive her. 
The Lord grant that it may prove an eternal benefit. 

" June 9. I have been looking at a passage in my 
journal, Sept. 24, 1816. That was a moment of trial ; 
but I felt a sort of pleasing confidence that my heavenly 
Father would appear for me, and place me in a situation 
where I could more extensively and effectually serve him. 
I had no definite apprehensions; but the repose I felt was 
solemn, sweet, and, if I know my own heart, entire. And 
I believe I am now placed in that situation. Can 1 view 
it otherwise than an answer to prayer? * * The work 
which thou hast given me to do, though arduous, is a de- 
lightful work, when thou dost grant strength and grace. 
Lord, enable me to serve thee with greater purity and 
spirituality. 

" June 19. Our church meeting was a very solemn 
one. Every heart seemed to feel. There is danger lest 



MEMOIR. 107 

it should be only a momentary excitement. God forbid 
that it should be so. * * I supplicate grace to be 
more of an helpmeet for my husband, in his labors of 
love. Great Head of the church, fill my heart with thy 
love, that I may more perfectly serve thee. 

" June 23. I have been made more sensible than ever 
of the mercy of God in giving me a home, by his sending 
dear friends for me to entertain, and whose society I am 
permitted thus to enjoy. 

" Aug. 5. I must not forget the anniversary of my 
second birth. Let it serve, at this time, the purposes of 
humiliation, that I have made so little progress in the di- 
vine life. I am sometimes ready to ' write bitter things' 
against myself; still I do hope that I have begun to live 
anew, that my heart has been arrested by divine grace, 
and my spirit brought from its native enmity to re- 
joice in God and believe on his only and glorious Son 
Jesus Christ. The memory of the time is precious. 
How changed were my feelings ; how were the holy 
Scriptures unsealed to my understanding ; what a de- 
lightful, sacred spot was the sanctuary ; how sweet 
the retirement and duties of the closet ; how lovely every 
friend who bore the image of Jesus ; how unsatisfactory 
the converse of unholy companions ; how precious social 
worship. I felt myself brought into a new world, with 
new prospects before me, new objects to pursue, new in- 
terests to secure, glorious beyond what I had before con- 
ceived. O that my many sins and defects may be for- 
given, and that grace may be granted even to unworthy 
me, enabling me to live more to God than heretofore. 

"Aug. 21. I have determined to set apart Tuesday morn- 
ing of each week, after attending to domestic cares early, 
until 11 o'clock, for special retirement, reading and prayer, 
that I may be better fitted for the duties of my station, 



1 08 M E M O I R . 

the trials of life, and the scenes of eternity. I pray God 
to grant his peculiar blessing on these seasons, and make 
thein for my edification and improvement. I expect fre- 
quent interruptions, and do not know how long I shall be 
able to maintain the practice. I have found the season 
this morning a pleasant one. 

" Aug. :27. Day of special humiliation and prayer in 
our church. The Lord draw near this day ; and may 
we by his Spirit draw near to him. May this be a day 
of blessing to our souls. May we be prepared, by wait- 
ing on God to-day, for the great work in which we are 
engaged. As a family, may we receive a blessing. O 
lor faith to embrace the promise, and for love, to God and 
his service, which shall never tire. 

" Jan. :}l), JS'2'2. I have recently had fifty volumes of 
reliinous books put into my hands by a friend, for 
circulation in the parish, and among those generally whose 
means of reading are limited. I have tried to pray that 
the donor may be recompensed, especially in spiritual 
things, and that those who shall read them may be made 
wise unto salvation. 

"April 21, (Sabbath.) Last evening we had a meet- 
ing of the baptized children with their parents. The 
season was solemn, and we hope good will flow from it. 
O Lord, revive thy work, and let the children, sustaining 
so interesting a relation to thy church, be the first fruits 
before the ingathering of a plentiful harvest. * * In 
my present station I find a great work for me to do. 
Lord, give me courage, and wisdom, and prudence, and 
skill to perform it. 

" July 3. Some seriousness more than usual among 
the people. O Lord, revive thy work in me, and let saints 
and angels rejoice at the progress of Christ's kingdom in 
one who has lost so much by idleness and inattention. 



MEMOIR. 109 

Great searchings of heart are necessary. O to be a real 
Christian — such a Christian, that conscience, and my own 
family, and all beholders, shall see that I live con- 
sistently with the professions I have made. 

" July 4. The anniversary of our national indepen- 
dence. At 8 o'clock A. M. we had a prayer-meeting in 
our church, which was well attended. It is a new thing 
in this community ; but it is certainly not unsuitable, and 
tends to preserve the mind in a proper state through the 
scenes of the day. 

"Aug. 16. I am oppressed with a sense of my unfruit- 
fulness in the vineyard of the Lord. One of my greatest 
evils is, languor in all duty. O how I long to feel that 
sacred nearness to a throne of grace, which I have felt 
in former times. Yes, I think I have enjoyed that which 
was to me more than my necessary food. And was there 
ever a time when more was required of me than the pres- 
ent? The recent special favors of a spiritual kind to our 
congregation, ought to be a spur to greater exertion. 
Lord quicken me, and help me once more to devote my- 
self to thee. 

" Sept. 9. Though we cannot tell of great num- 
bers gathered into the ark of safety during the lit- 
tle season of refreshing we have enjoyed, yet we would 
humbly rejoice that a few have been made to feel and 
acknowledge themselves sinners, and to ask how they can 
obtain pardon and acceptance with God ? About twenty 
have, as we hope, made that surrender of themselves to 
the Saviour, which is the result of saving faith. A num- 
ber more are between hope and fear, and a still larger 
number are yet inquiring on the subject, some with more 
interest, some with less. It may readily be imagined, 
that this is an interesting state of things to those 
who are * watching for souls, as they that must give ac- 
10* 



110 MEMOIR. 

count.' Solemn thought ! May we be assisted so to 
watch, as to obtain the approbation of our Saviour and 
our Judge. 

" Sept. 24. I hope I have been benefitted by a recent 
visit from Miss II., who appears singularly devoted to her 
Saviour. I feel desirous to be more useful in the church 
than I have heretofore been. Lord, help me to live more 
for thee ; oh guide my feeble steps in thy way. * * I 
have been looking too much to the opinions and practices 
of others. Now may I make thy word the man of my 
counsel, and may thy Spirit be my guide, and every pur- 
suit and ever] acquirement have stamped on it, Holiness 
to the Ijord. 

" Sept. 27. (Evening.) I have just had an opportu- 
nity of conversing with the youngest son of . 

1 endeavored to draw him into religious conversation; and 
to speak to bis conscience and his heart. I felt animated 
and strengthened in the duty, by the consideration that 
his dear mother, now departed, who had so often prayed 
for him, would look with complacency on the feeblest 
effort to bring her child to the Saviour. Lord, forgive 
the weakness of the attempt, and add thy blessing to it; 
and thy blessing shall accomplish what the mere effort 
on my part could never do. 

" Oct. 5. We certainly have evidence that the Holy 
Spirit has not forsaken us, in the fact that there have 
been three instances of hopeful conversion this week. 
Christians, too, are here and there awaking, and call- 
ing, with increased desire, on a prayer-hearing and prayer- 
answering God. Lord, give thy people more definite 
and enlivening views of the nature and glory of thy king- 
dom, and let its purity and excellence be a new and all- 
constraining motive to new and enlarged obedience. O 
to be able, by our example, conversation and prayers, to 



MEMOIR. Ill 

draw our dear friends, and those around us, to enlist in 
the service of our Lord ! 

" Oct. 20. (Sabbath evening.) While alone this even- 
ing I have been penning a few texts of Scripture, with 
the view of writing them out fairly and placing them on 
the mantel, particularly on the Sabbath, for our admoni- 
tion to a more spiritual conversation. * * I have also 
been thinking how much grace I need, to enable me to 
act wisely during the time that my dear brother shall be 
with us, that I may impress his mind with a proper sense 
of divine things, and be instrumental, if the Lord will, of 
leading him to attend to the things of his peace. 

"Dec. 11. How careful ought Christians to be in 
their daily and hourly walk. One unguarded expression, 
tinctured with levity or passion, may hinder our com- 
munion with God all the day. 

" I have invited two or three young ladies to see me 
this afternoon, with the hope of doing something for their 
good. I feel much interested in them, and desire wis- 
dom and skill from above, that I may rightly commend 
religion to their regard. 

" Dec. 15. (Sabbath.) ' Thou hast made me glad 
through the light of thy countenance.' There is a bless- 
ing in religion ; may I experience more of it ; and par- 
ticularly may I have communion with my Saviour at his 
table this day. I desire clearer discoveries of the plan of 
redemption. Do the angels, those mighty spirits that ex- 
cel in strength, desire to look into its mysteries and glo- 
ries, and shall not the children of men thirst after a 
knowledge which so much more nearly concerns them 1 

" Jan. 1, 1823. With the opening of this new year, I 
find abundant cause to cry, ' God be merciful to me a sin- 
ner ! ' I look back on the past year, and see but little 
accomplished for Christ, either in my own advancement 



112 MEMOIR. 

in the divine life, or in efforts to further his kingdom. I 
may well lie low in self-abasement, while I acknowledge 
still that his hand hath been with us doing something for 
us, and his Spirit hath not left us. 

" I do humbly and earnestly desire that my husband 
"and myself, may be accepted of thee, divine Saviour, at 
the very beginning of this year, for the performance of 
thy work in a higher degree than before ; that we may 
have more love to thee ; more knowledge of the things of 
thy kingdom, and the best methods of promoting thy 
glory ; more zeal for the performance of the service we 
owe thee ; more enlarged benevolence ; more extensive 
influence ; and more health and strength of body and 
mind to do thy will. 

" Feb. 17. Yesterday our church was blessed with a 
larger addition to its members than it has ever before had, 
at one time, since its establishment. I trust it was a pro- 
fitable season to many. What shall we render unto the 
Lord for all his benefits ? There are yet numbers anx- 
ious, though every thing proceeds very quietly ; several 
are trusting in Christ. 

" March 16. (Sabbath.) At home all day with a bad 
cold ; and shall also be kept from the inquiry meeting this 
evening, which is to me a place of deep interest. But it 

is all well I want that spiritual appetite, which 

shall make me every day hunger and thirst after truth and 
holiness. I think I can say of my soul, 

" She was all made of heavenly fires, 
Nor can she live on meaner food. 

" Aug. 1. A Bible Class was this day formed of the 
young people of the parish under very auspicious circum- 
stances. More than one hundred have joined it. May 



MEMOIR. 113 

God own the enterprise, and make it subservient to his 
glory, and the eternal well-being of the dear young friends 
connected with it. 

"April, 1823. [A Letter.] You mention hearing of 
the progress of Christ's kingdom among us. It has been 
indeed delightful, that the Lord has continued his gra- 
cious presence with us amidst our ingratitude and un- 
worthiness; but he is not accustomed to deal with his 
people according to their demerits. How wonderful his 
mercy ! Ever since the attention commenced here, it has 
been making a silent and very gradual progress, quicken- 
ing the people of God, and convincing the wanderer and 
leading him back to Christ ; so that, though our numbers 
are not so great as in many places, nor so great as we 
would desire, yet we think the state of religion is greatly 
improved among us ; and we hope that the truth is gain- 
ing a secret access to many minds which have long resist- 
ed its saving influence, and are not yet willing to confess 
themselves brought under its power. This state of things 
calls loudly for Christian diligence, and much importu- 
nate prayer. 

" You mention the conversion of one in your house. 
Surely, the Lord puts honor on that house where he 
deigns to exert his saving influence. Shall I tell you that 
we hope he has visited us in similar mercy ? We hope, 
and think we have considerable reason for hope, that a 
lad living with us, (who, I believe, was with us when you 
were here,) has been made the subject of renewing grace. 
He is not yet twelve years old, but gives such kind of evi- 
dence as we should suppose one of this age would give. 

" Jan. 8, 1824. This day forcibly recalls the same 
date, six years ago. And I have been endeavoring to 
spend the season in humble grateful recollection, in de- 
vout thankfulness, and in special prayer. I well remem- 



114 MEMOIR. 

ber the feelings which dictated the setting apart of that 
day, and the manner in which it was passed. I think I 
was enabled to leave myself, and my brother and sisters, 
wholly with the Lord ; for it was with a view to this that 
I set apart the day. Our temporal affairs pressed upon 
me ; we were orphans, and scattered ; and our brother 
rising into manhood, with no paternal hand to guide him, 
or paternal lips to counsel him. I trust I was heard in 
my supplication. From that time to the present, I have 
been able, in a great measure, to stay myself on God in 
regard to our interests both temporal and spiritual ; and 
in looking through the period of six years, I am filled 
with wonder and gladness at all the mercy and all the 
care of a covenant-keeping God. I set apart this day to 
recall this past goodness, and render praise, and also to 
renew my petitions for further exhibitions of his loving- 
kindness, and especially in spiritual things. 

" Feb. 1. I have another call for special gratitude to- 
day, as another anniversary returns on which the good- 
ness of the Lord ought to be particularly remembered. 
This day commemorates the season in which we left our 
mother's house, a few weeks after she had taken her de- 
parture into the world of spirits. I cannot forget the 
evening previous to that day. We were a lonely band, 
seated, in the evening twilight, around the fire-side, 
whence we were shortly to take our departure, and to 
separate. ' The world was all before us, where to choose 
our place of rest, and Providence our guide.' Our reflec- 
tions were sober ; we felt that we were about embarking 
on an ocean of uncertainty and trial, with disappoint- 
ments to meet, and with little in prospect which could 
cheer us. Being myself younger than my sisters, having 
just completed my fifteenth year, bright visions of hope 
would occasionally cross my mind, but were almost as 



MEMOIR. J 15 

soon dissipated by the thoughtful seriousness of those 
who I knew must have more correct opinions of the world 
we were to meet, than I could have, who had always been 
so much secluded from its frowns and its smiles. But 
since that evening, and the succeeding day, fifteen years 
have passed rapidly away. We have, indeed, encounter- 
ed many a storm; and we have enjoyed, too, many a sun- 
shine, ' blissful, bright, never to be forgotten.' We have 
lived day after day, month after month, and year after 
year, upon the bounties of an unfailing Providence. We 
have wanted no necessary thing, and we have learned to 
repress desires after such things as were unattainable ; 
and, after many tokens of special care and of wonder- 
working goodness, we continue, as at this day, with bless- 
ings all around us. How shall we adequately praise Him 
who hath brought us thus far 1 What shall we render to 
our God ? 

" May 16. (Sabbath.) We are this morning to come 
to the table of our crucified Saviour, and have the pleas- 
ing prospect of seeing eight persons added to our com- 
munion. Praised be the mercy of the Lord, that he still 
condescends to bless our humble endeavors in his service. 
May these persons add to the strength, as well as to the 
numbers of the church. 

" Aug. 22. (Sabbath.) How pleasant it is to enjoy 
the refined and pious conversation of Christian minis- 
ters, and how highly am I favored with this privilege. 
Blessed be the Lord for a station in the church, which 
brings me to an acquaintance with so many manifesting 
the spirit of Christ and rich in intellectual stores. My 
heart is often ready to exclaim, ' Why was I made a 
Christian, and then, as if this was not enough, placed here 
amidst all this rich variety of means for growth in grace 
and usefulness in the vineyard?' O that this heart might 



116 MEMOIR. 

be melted into gratitude, love, and the spirit of obedience. 
* * I cannot feel it a burden that we are so frequently 
called to entertain Christian friends. I fear that some 
lose much by an unwillingness to execute the offices of 
hospitality. 

"Aug. 23, [to her husband absent.] I believe all the 
sick, concerning whom you make inquiry, are on the re- 
covery. I visited them all on Thursday, and intend to 
see them again in a day or two. 

"Oct. 31. We have, through the kindness of our God, 
come to dwell in a new habitation, which he has given us 
the hope of ultimately calling our own. After much 
fatigue, we are quietly settled. We removed on Tues- 
day the '-33d inst., and on the evening of the 24th, 
our dear friends assembled with us, and we solemnly dedi- 
cated the house to our God and Saviour, imploring his 
continual presence and blessing in every apartment, in 
every closet, and praying that on every part might be in- 
scribed ' Holiness to the Lord? The season w r as sweet, 
and of deep interest. When our friends had retired, we 
renewed the dedication of ourselves to our Saviour, for 
his Mrvice and glory. 

"Jan. 27, L825. My birth-day. In reflecting on the 
past, I am surprised that I have done so little for God. 
May he pardon me, and grant that the year which begins 
anew to me this day may, with its blessings, find me more 
humble, more faithful, more devoted to God and his 
church. 

" May 4. (Evening.) * * Latter part of the even- 
ing rendered delightful and solemn by a prayer-meeting 
of the younger members of the church. 

" May 22. All nature is full of God. The spring 
that smiles around us — how delightful ! it is the fruit of 
infinite love. 



MEMOIR. 117 

" Jan. 8, 1826. Again the anniversary of a day which I 
think I shall never cease to remember. My anniversaries 
of interesting occasions are frequent and precious, and 
often instrumental of quickening me in duty and the 
divine life. The answers which I think I have had to 
prayer, presented on such occasions, are my encourage- 
ment to persevere in asking what I need. Certainly I 
have been heard in the voice of my supplication. The 
Lord hath answered me, not for myself alone, but for my 
family, and we are now receiving the benefit. 

" May 28. [After the death of her infant child.] 
When I last penned a few words on these pages, it was 
done with a trembling spirit, supported only by clinging 
to an arm divine. That arm divine sustained me through 
the perils that arrayed themselves before me. But the 
gift bestowed, has been removed. ' Righteous art thou, 

Lord : ' 

' Too wise to err, too good to be unkind.' 

1 hope I am satisfied with the arrangement ; though 
I mourn, and am sometimes in bitterness because of it. 
But I have nothing to say. He hath done all things well. 
Could he have done better ? If he could, he hath not re- 
vealed it to me. Could I have been taught the salutary 
lessons which this dispensation has taught me, in any 
other way ? If so, I know it not. Indeed, I trace pecu- 
liar adaptedness in the means, to the end accomplished. 
I shall feel, I trust, a deeper interest both in parents and 
children, and be more sympathizing in the sorrows of 
others, for the manner in which God has now dealt with 
me. 

" We hoped that this dear gift was to be a comfort to 
us here, a blessing to Christ's church on earth, an instru- 
11 



1 18 M EMOIR. 

ment of promoting God's glory when our poor labors 
should cease. For this it was in our hearts carefully to 
cherish and train it. Cut the unerring wisdom of God, 
while it permitted all these fond hopes and right intentions 
to be in our hearts, animating us to all the.conflicts neces- 
sary to be previously sustained, looked farther than our 
narrow vision extended, and saw another plan, inscru- 
table to us, but to his all-seeing eye so much better, so 
much more for his glory, for the good of the universe, for 
our h;ippiness, and for that of the dear little being over 
whom our hearts still yearn, that he gave the wound 
while he pitied the sorrows which it produced. 

" March 26, L827. .Mr. has been in and given 

me just the opportunity I have long desired for religious 
conversation with him. J rejoice to find him serious and 
somewhat anxious. His case is an evidence that the 
Lord is working in this place, though it be in a silent 
way. . . Let me make this one a particular subject of 
prayer, that he may be brought into the kingdom, and 
be eminently useful in the service of Christ." 

For about five weeks from this time Mrs. Dimmick's 
journal contains a very brief notice of her occupation 
each day. Expressions like the following frequently oc- 
cur. " Had a pleasant visit from neighbors. It ought to 
have been more spiritual and profitable." " Visited Mrs. 
F., recently brought to the knowledge of the truth. We 
united in prayer, rendering praise to her great Deliverer." 
" Had serious conversation with Mrs. B." " Promised to 
meet N. H., for a particular object, at the throne of 
grace, at 6 o'clock." " Had conversation with Mrs. W. 
on the subject of her making a public profession of relig- 
ion. Made other calls for similar purposes." " Made 
visits among poor neighbors." " Called on some aged 



MEMOIR. 119 

sick, who appear anxious about their spiritual concerns. 
They entreated my prayers. Lord, help me to pray for 
them, and wilt thou hear !" 

These expressions show the bent of her thoughts, the 
subjects in which she felt the deepest interest, the kind of 
life she lived, redeeming time from secular avocations for 
the higher purposes of doing spiritual good. This is 
nearly the end of her regular journal. A very few pas- 
sages only will be added. 

" July 9. We had a delightful day on the fourth. 
There was no political celebration ; but the religious ser- 
vices in the morning were highly interesting. Several 
clergymen took part in them ; and fifty dollars were col- 
lected for the Colonization Society. 

" July 16. I know of nothing half so delightful as to 
be engaged in the work of the Lord, and through his 
grace to meet with success in our labors. 

" June 29, 1828. (Sabbath.) Eight years ago this day 
I came to reside in this place, as the companion of a 
minister of the gospel. I am grieved that I have done no 
more for Christ during these eight years. How poorly 
have I improved the talents put into my hands. ' If thou, 
Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall 
stand V I am shut up to the petition, ' Enter not into 
judgment with thy servant.' I have but one source of 
consolation, or of hope. ' There is forgiveness with 
thee.' 

" I accompanied my husband to Falmouth the past 
week, at the sitting of the General Association of the 
State. The occasion was one of lively interest. There 
seemed to be great union among the ministers of Christ 
present. — A number of the wives of the clergymen were 
there ; and on Thursday morning they had a prayer-meet. 



120 MEMOIR. 

ing together with the female part of the church. I 
believe it was something rather new, but I am sure it was 
also something which was useful and delightful. Nothing 
endears us so much to each other as meeting together in 
the character of Christ's disciples, speaking together of 
the interests of his kingdom, and uniting together in the 
holy breathings of devout prayer. 

" I have been led to inquire too, and particularly in 
view of my own deficiencies, whether something could 
not be done, and ought not to be done, for the particu- 
lar benefit of the wives of clergymen, and those who are 
expecting to become such. Something, it appears to me, 
might be done to good purpose. And surely those who 
occupy such stations, or are to occupy them, need all the 
aid with which they can be furnished. 

"Jan. 2, 1829. A new year. Yesterday morning 
when I awoke, I resolved to be more devoted to God this 
year than ever. Will God help me to keep this resolve : 
to be 

' Watchful every hour, 



And pray, but never faint.' 

" May I be instrumental this year in the salvation of 
some souls, at the same time that I take care of my own. 
There is something very sweet to me in ' alluring to 
brighter worlds,' — in saying to the wanderers ' return and 
be blessed,' in pointing the restless unsatisfied mind to the 
pure fountains of truth and happiness, in one word, in 
saying to the sinner, ' Behold the Lamb of God who 
taketh away the sin of the world ! ' 

" I find that with revolving years my mind, my heart, 
my soul, rests with more and more confidence and joy on 
the way of salvation revealed in the gospel. Jesus Christ, 
' the way, and the truth, and the life,' appears to me the 



MEMOIR. 121 

only safe ground of trust. That so many rob him of his 
glory, weaken the influence of his gospel, and thus cheat 
themselves out of happiness and heaven, does most deeply 
affect me. What kind of a heaven are they looking for, 
who reject the essential truths and provisions of the 
gospel ? If there is a class of my fellow sinners who ap- 
pear to me to be in peculiar danger, it is those who have 
embraced, in systematic form, that for truth, which the 
Bible condemns as error, and which chills the soul, and 
diverts it from spiritual objects. In view of such cases, 
I would bind the gospel more closely to my heart, while I 
pray that God will send deliverance to those who are en- 
snared and taken, before it shall be forever too late ! " 



11 : 



CHAPTER VII. 

Her Love to her Kindred — Reference to her Letters to her Brother — Her 
Sister's sickness and death. 

Among the beautiful things of earth are the social af- 
fections. Amidst the trials and dark scenes often witness- 
ed, what beholder is not struck with the family group, in 
which are beheld 

' Relations dear, and all the charities 
Of father, son, and brother?' 

It is as an oasis in a desert. This excellence shone in 
Mrs. Dimmick. Love to her family and kindred was one 
of the striking traits in her character. This is manifest 
from the remarks already brought to view : particularly 
from the notice of her mother ; her graphic account 
of the breaking up and dispersion of the household ; her 
frequent and earnest prayers for the surviving members ; 
as well as from numerous other expressions. " How much 
I love you," said she in a letter to a friend, " for taking 
such an interest in my sisters and brother. We are a 
feeble few, and cling closely to each other." To another 
friend, at a later date, she says, " How peculiar and how 
strong is the sisterly tie." And to another, " O the ten- 
derness of those ties which bind us to parents, brothers and 



MEMOIR. 123 

sisters ! " And so through all her communications. " I 
want earnestness in prayer for my dear brother and sis- 
ters." " May the prayers long since breathed to heaven 
by parental lips, be answered on the heads of us who sur- 
vive, and we be prepared to meet and dwell with those 
members now safe in heaven." 

Her regard for her kindred, as may be seen from these 
expressions, and many others already brought to view, 
and as might also be presumed from her general charac- 
ter, was not a mere concern for their temporal welfare. 
. Though this was not disregarded by her, or undervalued, 
and was often the subject of her thoughts and desires and 
endeavors, yet she looked deeper and farther than this. 
She remembered the soul and the interests of eternity, 
and felt that there was no ground for rest while these were 
not safe. And it is believed that in her duty to all the 
members of her family, she was uncommonly faithful. 

A series of letters to her- brother — an only brother, and 
younger than herself — might be adduced as confirmation 
of this remark. Perhaps an instance is not to be found, 
in which sisterly affection and Christian fidelity are more 
strikingly exhibited, than in this correspondence ; in 
which the spiritual welfare of a friend has been sought 
and pursued more wisely, tenderly, and with greater per- 
severance. A regard to the living, alone prevents copious 
extracts from this correspondence. 

A similar developement of feeling was made in respect 
to her sisters, though perhaps less striking. The elder 
of the two sisters, as has been mentioned, came to 
reside with her soon after her marriage, — in September, 
1820. She was entertaining a hope in Christ when 
she came ; and, in November following, united with the 
church. With her she took sweet counsel, and they sym- 



124 MEMOIR. 

pathized together in desires for the spiritual benefit of the 
other members of the family. 

In the summer of 1822, her other sister, Susan, made 
her a visit. There was more than usual seriousness 
in the place at the time. In prospect of this visit, the 
first thought and leading desire of Mrs. Dimmick's heart 
was breathed out in the following petition : " June 19. 
Lord, I prefer the petition that my dear sister's coming 
here at this time may be for thy glory in her conversion 
to thee. Help me to wait upon thee, that thou, in infinite 
condescension, wilt bring her into thy kingdom." Sept. 9, 
1822, in a letter to a friend, she says, " I have been much 
favored in having my sister Susan make me a visit of 
three months. Her attention has been somewhat awaken- 
ed to the subject of religion during her visit. O that it 
might be the favored period of securing her best interests 
for eternity ! " A little later, in her journal, is the follow- 
ing passage : " Sept. 26. I greatly fear this excursion 
[to a neighboring town] has lessened, if not obliterated, 
my sister's serious feelings. How can I bear to have this 
precious season pass away, and her soul not gathered into 
the ark of safety." " Sept. 29. Again I cast on thee 
those in this house who are yet out of the ark of safe- 
ty. Especially do I bring to thee my dear sister. O 
speak the cheering word of forgiveness and peace to her 
soul." " Oct. 5. O thou, who canst do all things, again 
do I look up to thee for the conversion of my dear sister. 
When wilt thou lead her to Christ, and show her sins 
forgiven?" " Oct. 13. (Sabbath evening.) Conversed 
with my sister on the state of her mind. She appears to 
have undergone some change in her views. She hardly 
dares hope it to be saving ; but I am inclined to believe 
that it will, in the end, prove to be so. She certainly 
gives some evidence, in her desire to do something for 



MEMOIR. 125 

Christ henceforth, and in her apparent unfeigned sorrow 
for sin. I have been enabled, more particularly, to com- 
mend her to the Saviour, and to supplicate that he will 
manifest himself in his peculiar mercy to her, and give 
her a full evidence that she is ' born again.' " 

About a year and a half from this time, or in the sum- 
mer of 1824, this sister came to reside permanently with 
her. She came with an incipient disease, which proved 
to be a severe and incorrigible dropsy; and which, after 
much suffering for nearly three years, terminated in her 
death. Mrs. Dimmick did not feel it a burden to have 
this sister with her in her sickness ; on the contrary, her 
sympathies were alive to her sufferings, and whatever 
could afford her relief, or promote her comfort, was most 
cheerfully done. Soon after her arrival, she says, " How 
thankful ought I to be, that in this trying time, I am 
enabled to have her with me, and can provide for many of 
her wants." 

The religious impressions made on this sister's mind at 
the former visit had not been effaced, but terminated in a 
hope of reconciliation to God. The same care and assi- 
duity were continued in regard to her spiritual interests. 
In December, 1825, with much trembling, as well as bodi- 
ly weakness, she was received to the communion of the 
church. Her death, which occurred a little more than a 
year afterwards, was triumphant. 

It may be proper to insert here, some account of this 
death, from Mrs. Dimmick' s own pen. 

" After a lingering disease of three full years, our belov- 
ed sister has left this world, and entered another state of 
existence. In few instances do we witness a more unbla- 
mable life, or a more peaceful death. ' The memory of the 
just is blessed.' From the commencement of that fatal dis- 



126 MEMOIR. 

ease which terminated her life, to the closing hour, she in- 
variably submitted without a murmur to the dispensation, 
as from the hand of Him, who is infinitely wise and 
infinitely good. She more than submitted ; she was 
even cheerful, feeling as she often expressed herself, that 
she had from infancy been blessed with an unusual share 
of health, and that this consideration, in addition to 
others, should prevent her complaining under the present 
affliction. This steady composure, amid a constantly 
darkening prospect, arising from the unvarying progress 
of disease, without hope of permanent relief, is what per- 
haps very few attain, at least in the degree in which it was 
manifest in her. 

" About a week previous to her departure she was sensi- 
ble of a change in her case. Her judgment, always un- 
usually discriminating, decided on the hopelessness of her 
continuance much longer in the world ; and, not wishing 
to practice the least deception with herself, she looked at 
once to the end. Her faith sustained her. She verified 
the words of her favorite hymn, which she had often been 
heard singing to herself at the close of the day when all 
nature was still and favored meditation on the future : 

' My lifted eye, without a tear, 
The gathering storm shall see; 
My steadfast heart shall know no fear, 
That heart will rest on Thee.' 

" From this time, the hope of life, or even desire of it, 
was manifestly exchanged for the hope of heaven ; and 
unseen realities seemed every moment crowding in bright- 
er succession on the vision of faith. ' O,' said she, 
1 w r hat comfort have I taken in particular passages of 
Scripture, and what delight in hymns and psalms. Yet I 
think I have been too fearful of applying the promises of 



MEMOIR. 127 

God's word to myself. It appears to me now, that I might 
have done it more.' Her mind was clear and equable 
throughout these trying hours, and seemed to gather fresh 
vigor as she approached the confines of her earthly be- 
ing, and the higher realities of another existence. 
' Well,' said she, 'do bless God for me; for I cannot 
praise him enough.' She often wished us to sing amidst 
her sufferings. The hymns beginning as follows were 
favorites : ' Come, we that love the Lord ; ' ' Come, let 
us join our cheerful songs ; ' 'I love my Shepherd's 
voice ; ' ' Awake, sweet harp of Judah, wake ! ' with 
several others. She desired the Bible to be read to her, 
and particularly the promise in Isaiah, xliii. 2, ' When 
thou passest through the w T aters, I will be with thee, and 
through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee : when 
thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned ; 
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee ; ' and also the 
twenty-third Psalm, ' The Lord is my Shepherd,' &,c, 
which she prefaced with a short but fervent prayer. 
* Now,' said she, ' I am ready to have the seventeenth 
Psalm sung ; w r hen you proposed it the other evening, I 
was not quite ready ; begin at the third verse, ' What 
sinners value I resign,' &c. She sung with us with so 
much strength, that we concluded that she could not be so 
near her end as she thought herself to be. She appeared 
lost in a holy elevation of soul, and after she ceased to sing, 
continued her hands in motion, keeping time with the 
music which the others carried through to the end of the 
psalm. There was in her manner an air of triumph, 
as of one who had already gained the victory. A little 
before public worship, (Sabbath morning,) she desired 
that a note might be prepared, requesting the prayers of 
the church, that she might be enabled to bear her suffer- 
ings, and have the presence of Christ through the valley 



128 MEMOIR. 

of the shadow of death. This she dictated herself. 
When Mr. Dimmick came to her to say that he was go- 
ing to church, but hoped to see her again at noon, she re- 
plied, ' Perhaps you may, but I cannot say that I ardent- 
ly hope it.' To the remark, ' If you should depart, you 
hope to be in a better world,' she answered, ' If I am 
assured of any thing, it is of that. After what God has 
showed me, can I doubt ? O no, I cannot.' After this 
she related to me minutely, from the beginning, her Chris- 
tian experience, which was very satisfactory. — Through 
Sabbath night, her spirit was unusually sweet, and her 
countenance brightened with increasing lustre, as she 
drew nearer the ' promised possession. 1 Her remarks 
were full of affection and piety, and those who were with 
her, could say, truly, ' It is good to be here.' At one 
time, being raised in bed to rest a moment, after having 
slept several minutes longer than usual, she looked around 
the room and said, ' I am in this world yet, am I not 1 ' 
I said to her, ' Did you think, sister, that you had gone to 
heaven ? ' She replied, ' I seemed to think for a moment 
that I had got there : but then I thought I had not seen the 
ravishing glories. I suppose, having slept so little of late, 
and now so soundly, I have been dreaming.' She then, 
with a sweet expression, extended her arms, and exclaim- 
ed, 'Am I going to Heaven ? ' The thought was rapturous. 
— On Monday morning she wished to have the shutters 
opened and the lights extinguished early, that she might 
see once more the pleasant light of an earthly day ; and, 
on the gratification of her wishes, the placid expression of 
her countenance, as she looked forth on the morning, in- 
dicated the settled peace of her soul. No sigh agitated 
her bosom, because the world was receding. No dark 
boding cloud intercepted the visions of her faith. She 
seemed in the condition of a traveller, who had passed 



MEMOIR. 129 

through a long course of tempest and storm, intermingled 
indeed with zephyr and sunshine, and having nearly 
completed his pilgrimage, was taking a last quiet survey 
of the scenery which lay around him, in the final stage of 
a journey which was to terminate in introducing him to 
all the honors of a kingdom. To her physician she said, 
'Doctor, there is a divine reality in it, (alluding to Chris- 
tianity.) O, for such a poor, weak, blind creature, to 
feel what I have felt for two or three days past, proves 
that there is a glorious reality in it. She took leave of 
those around her, with a word appropriate to each ; and 
from this time till she crossed the waters of Jordan, said 
but a little. She requested to have every thing through- 
out the house as still as possible. She frequently said, 
' peace, peace, let all be peace.' In this pleasant, pa- 
tient, elevated spirit, she continued until half past 4 
o'clock in the afternoon, when a visible change took 
place. She signified to us that the hour of release had 
come, and gently breathed her last at 5 o'clock, Monday, 
Feb. 26, 1S27. 

" Dear departed saint ! So unblamable in life, so pa- 
tient and cheerful under the long continued and heavy 
burden of disease, so triumphant in death ! We rejoice 
for thee, that thou hast forever escaped from the ills of 
this mortal state, its fleeting pleasures, and its many 
pains. All that was enduring thou hast carried with 
thee ; all that was high, all that was holy. Thou hast left 
nothing behind, but what would have been a burden. 
Thou hast left sin— that would have shut thee from 
heaven. Thou hast left suffering — that would have 
interrupted thy songs of praise, marred thy bliss, and 
hindered thy activity in the heavenly service. Thou 
hast left thy friends — but they will join thee when 
they are prepared for the same glory. Thou hast left a rc- 
12 



130 MEMOIR. 

mote province of thy Saviour's kingdom, where, alas! there 
is much imperfection and sin even in his most loyal sub- 
jects ; and where there are ten thousand rebels, who cannot 
be persuaded to submit and own him as their rightful sov- 
ereign. But thou art now exalted to a residence in the 
royal city — the New Jerusalem — where neither disloyalty 
nor imperfection exists. In one word, thou art in heaven 
and near thy God. We mourn not for thee. We re- 
joice and give thanks to Him, who has resumed his own, 
and, we doubt not, confirmed thee as his forever. 

" But we may be permitted to mourn our loss. Pleas- 
ant hast thou been to us in life : we will not forget thee; 
we will not cease to remember thee, as one of the 
choicest gifts of our heavenly Father. We will remem- 
ber thy counsels; we will remember thy example; we 
will remember thy life ; we will remember thy death ; 
and oh, may we remember, and perfectly love, and de- 
voutly serve that Saviour, who formed thee, redeemed 
thee, renewed thee, and saved thee with an everlasting 
salvation ; so that, when time with us shall be no lon- 
ger, we may meet thee in his kingdom, and enter into 
his eternal joy, with thee and all the myriads of the holy, 
to praise his name and his grace forever." 



CHAPTER VIII. 



A Journey in the spring- and summer of 1829 — Extracts from Letters to her 
Husband during his absence in 1830. 



In the spring and early part of the summer of 1829, 
Mrs. Dimmick accompanied her husband on a journey to 
her native place, Norwich, Connecticut; to New- York ; 
thence through New- Jersey to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania; 
to which last place her eldest sister had removed, on her 
marriage, many years before, and where she soon after 
died ; thence through western New-York to Erie, Penn- 
sylvania ; and thence home by Niagara Falls and Sara- 
toga Springs, through Vermont and New-Hampshire, 
occupying in all, about two months. 

Her letters to her sister, during that journey, contain 
a few passages which may be here inserted. 

"Norwich, Conn., May 25, 1829. Owing to my nu- 
merous engagements since I have been with our Norwich 
friends, I have not had what I can well call a leisure mo- 
ment for writing. I need not assure you how kindly and 
politely we have been treated by all our friends here. 
Norwich has greatly improved in its appearance, and its 



132 MEMOIR. 

natural scenery never more completely charmed me.* 
Our visit has been very pleasant, and is marred only by 
the thought that we have, while here, done so little for our 

Saviour Do not think that amidst these scenes 

you and your dear husband and children, our beloved 
church and people, and he who now ministers to you, are 
forgotten. You have a continual place in our hearts. It 
was something like a disappointment to us, that you could 
not tell us of some instances of awakening among the 
people. We cannot but expect as well as hope it. Men- 
tion us with sentiments of affection to all who inquire 
after us. We long after yon all with desire for your spir- 
itual good." 

" New- York city, June 1. Our ride hither has been 
very pleasant. Nature is in her loveliest attire. She 

smiles and diffuses around her richest fragrance 

I walked out to visit a garden this morning before nine 

o'clock This is, indeed, a great city — a moving 

mass of human beings, enough to excite the sympathy 
of every Christian bosom. The Lord have mercy on this 
vast collection of immortal souls! At 12 o'clock, visited 
Peale's Museum, and spent an hour in looking at its va- 
rious objects of interest. We went then to the Bible 
Society's House, and walked between piles of Bibles 
higher than we could reach. I felt an awe pervade my 
spirit. The place seemed holy, and I could not but ren- 
der praise to God for thus multiplying the copies of his 



* '-The scenery of the town is remarkably picturesque; it is emphatically 
a place of hills ami springs of water. Copse, dingle and glen are scatter- 
ed about in lavish abundance and wild variety. These and other circum- 
stances, have thrown a more than common degree of splendor upon the 
place, and rendered it more conspicuous than many others of greater nu- 
merical importance.' 7 — History of Norwich, by Miss F. M. Caulkins. 



MEMOIR. 133 

word. We visited the room where thirty to forty girls are 
stitching the sacred volume ; who appeared very cheer- 
ful and happy, and soon after our entrance commenced 
singing, most sweetly, the hymn — 

' Children of the heavenly King, 
As ye journey sweetly sing.' 

They sung it quite through, their work continuing at the 
same time. You will recollect that not long since there 
was a revival of religion among the girls of this depart- 
ment, which resulted in the conversion of a large propor- 
tion of them I have not been able as yet to 

visit the Tract House ; but have been to see some other 
places of interest, of which I cannot now write particu- 
larly." 

" Washington Village, N. J., June 5. We crossed the 
North River at Hoboken Ferry at 10 o'clock Thursday 
morning, and passed through Newark, and some other 
places, to Morristown, where we spent the night. Soon 
after stopping, we saw a gathering at the place of wor- 
ship—the chapel. After tea we repaired thither, though 
it was so crowded that we found it difficult to obtain a 
seat. It was apparent that an unusual religious impres- 
sion was upon the minds of the community. The ser- 
vices were deeply interesting — prayers fervent. We 
learned that upwards of eighty were to be added to the 
church the next Sabbath. The temptation was strong 
to tarry and witness the impressive scene, which we were 
warmly invited to do, and Mr. D. to assist in the preach- 
ing ; but duty seemed to require the prosecution of our 
journey. 

" To-day (Friday) we have had the most delightful 
12 * 



134 MEMOIR. 

day's ride of any since we left home. The weather has 
been fine. The scenery through which we have passed 
is most enchanting. The eye, the ear, the sense of smell, 
have all been amply regaled with the objects adapted to 
afford them delight. We have ascended and descended 
the Schooly mountain. We dined on its summit, in one 
of the delightful spots of earth, where we would willingly 
have lingered. At this place there is a mineral spring 
which is of considerable celebrity, and makes this one of 
the watering places of the State. There is a number of 
line boarding-houses, for those who wish to resort thither, 
and bath-houses attached to each. That at which we 
stopped was umst delightfully situated, surrounded by ex- 
tensive yards tilled with large trees. The house was hand- 
somely furnished, and in one of the yards were accommo- 
dations for swinging, a kind of gymnastic of which I am 
remarkably fond. 1 took the benefit of them after din- 
ner. We tarried only till 5 o'clock, and then descended 
on the opposite side, and followed the river Musconethong 
at its western base through a rich valley of several miles. 
The fields were fresh and green ; the white clover was 
in blossom ; the fruit and forest trees were adorned 
with their new foliage; and the valley seemed almost like 
Eden. I suppose, however, that, in fact, Eden is not 
there. Its innocence, which was the main thing in the 
primitive enclosure, has fled from earth. 

" Notwithstanding the pleasantness of our journey, and 
all the agreeable things we enjoy, we do most fondly look 
back to our beloved home, and often sigh for a return. 
Often have we said to each other, if inclination alone 
were to be consulted, how gladly should we set our faces 
homeward, and assume again our responsible duties. O 
for health, and every necessary qualification to serve the 
Lord ! " 



MEMOIR. 135 

''Nazareth, Perm., Monday morning, June 8. We 
reached this place safely Saturday evening. Our ride, 
the earlier part of the day especially, was through a pleas- 
ant country. The wildness and beauty of the scenery, in 
some parts, charmed me. I have seen a number of 
wild spots, but never saw any thing that quite equalled 
the throwings together of nature as you come in sight of 
the Delaware river, with Philipsburgh on the New-Jersey 
side, and Easton on the Pennsylvania side. I wish I 
could so describe it, that you could conceive the romantic 
character of the landscape, viewed from an eminence 
which overlooks the whole. 

" Nazareth is a Moravian settlement. It is a consid- 
erable village, built mostly of stone and brick, and con- 
tains a celebrated Moravian academy. The German lan- 
guage is chiefly spoken by the inhabitants, though they 
speak tolerably good English, when occasion calls for it. 
They are proverbially kind and affectionate in their man- 
ners. Yesterday we attended church with them in the 
morning, it being their only public service for the day. 
It was Whitsuntide, or the feast of the Pentecost, with 
them. The whole service was conducted in German. 
The singing was accompanied with instrumental music — 
a large number of instruments ; an organ, a bass-viol, a 
counter bass-viol, and a tenor-viol, two violins, and two 
French horns. They make much of music in their wor- 
ship ; though we understood that there were some addi- 
tions to their ordinary music yesterday, on account of its 
being one of their festivals. The preacher appeared 
much interested and engaged in his subject, which was 
from Joel ii. 28 and onward, relating to the descent of the 
Spirit, and appropriate to the occasion. He is much es- 
teemed here for his excellencies, and the people are 
mourning his contemplated departure from them to the 



136 



MEMOIR. 



city of New-York. He gives his farewell sermon this 
morning in English. 

" The church will accommodate about four hundred. 
The seats are all on the floor, there being no gallery. 
They all front the speaker. The women are seated on 
one side, and the men on the other. The children occu- 
py the front seats. The adults and young married peo- 
ple sit back of them, and still further back the aged of the 
assembly. Scarcely a bonnet is seen in church. The fe- 
males wear caps close on their heads; and it is quite a 
singular appearance, to see them going and returning 
from church, old, young, and middle-aged, in their caps 
only. Even the little girls are arrayed in this manner. 
Twenty or thirty of them entered the church together, 
with their caps, made like those of their mothers and 
grand-mothers, except that some of the most aged may 
have had something a little peculiar. 

" We visited also the grave-yard, which is singularly 
neat. The graves of females occupy one side, and of 
males the other, while a broad alley runs through the 
whole yard. The graves are in straight rows, each one 
turfed over, and a stone laid horizontally on it, contain- 
ing nothing but the name and age of the person sleeping 
beneath. Many of the graves have bunches of the herb 
thyme growing on them, and some are covered with roses 
and other flowers. The whole is chaste and impressive. 
****** 

" We have returned from the morning service. Mr. 
Van Vleck gave his farewell discourse. It has been 
deeply impressive by its eloquence and purity. At a 
short visit to his house also, we found him, in private 
conversation, a very interesting man. I have rarely, in 
so short a time, witnessed so much of the simplicity and 
loveliness of the Christian character." 



MEMOIR. 137 

" Wilkesbarre, Penn., June 11. About the middle of 
the forenoon on Monday we bade Nazareth adieu, and 
pursued our way to the Wind Gap in the Blue Ridge. 
The Wind Gap is an opening or break in the mountains, 
through which the traveller passes without ascending 
and descending their steep and rugged sides. A few miles 
from this we made our stop for the middle of the day at a 
small tavern in a very lovely spot. The people were 
High Dutch, and conversed altogether in their own lan- 
guage, except with those who do not understand it. I 
was much interested in an old lady who sat in the door 
picking wool. She must have been full eighty, though 
quite firm and healthy in her appearance. She wore a 
neat cap, made in the old style, but had on neither shoes 
nor stockings. I sat down in the entry to hear her and 
one of her neighbors converse together. She spoke to 
me in her native language, but perceiving I did not under- 
stand her, she said in English, ' You not know Dutch.' 
On my telling her I did not, she said, very emphatically, 
'why you not learn it ? ' as if my ignorance was truly un- 
pardonable. I told her I could talk English fast enough, 
and that the people where I lived did not speak Dutch. 
She seemed surprised, and made some inquiries about the 
place of my residence. 

"About ten miles from this place, we began to ascend 
the Pokono mountains, which our dear sister T. crossed, 
twenty-three years ago, in coming to Wilkesbarre. There 
is little to interest on the broad back of this mountain — 
more than twenty miles across — except the numerous 
eminences, which, as often* as attained, give opportunity 
of looking around on other and far distant elevations, 
and, all together, reminding one of the vastness of the 
Creator's works. There are two or three meagre villages 
scattered along the way, and now and then a log-house. 



138 MEMOIR. 

In general the trees are rather of a stinted growth, and 
often there is little seen around but shrubs of various 
descriptions. The immediate ascent and descent, how- 
ever, are deeply wooded. The descent westward, which 
leads directly to the village of W., presents a grand and 
picturesque view of the valley of Wyoming, of which 
poets have suug, and which is, indeed, most charming. 
The towering Pokono hanging above us and at our sides 
as we descend, the gradual slope which opens to us the 
long-stretching valley for many miles, the Susquehannah 
river winding its course through this valley, between its 
verdant hanks, with several islands embosomed in its 
waters, the villages up and down, and the cultivated fields 
and orchards, witli the distant mountains which lie on the 
opposite side, as it* designed i'or a western barrier, shield- 
ing from invasion, form no common assemblage of the 
beautiful and the grand. The sun shone brightly on the 
whole scene, as we viewed it, and I could not but ex- 
claim, ' My Father made it all !' and praise him for giv- 
ing such elements of interest to his works. 

• ***** 

" And this is the spot where our dear sister T. passed 
the few last months of her earthly pilgrimage, and where 
she took her flight to the eternal world. The house 
where she lived has been pointed out to me. I have 
passed it with a melancholy interest. I have visited the 
narrow abode where she sleeps, with her husband beside 
her. You will not doubt that, with my peculiar tempera- 
ment, I have something to suffer, as well as to enjoy, 
while here. I cannot tell you how many there are who 
remember and converse about her with lively interest. I 
am, indeed, even surprised, at the deep interest which 
years have not been able to obliterate from the hearts of 
those who intimately knew her. Why was she so soon 



MEMOIR. 139 

taken 1 But God has done it, and I charge my heart to 
be still. May his blessing rest on the dear orphan child 
she left. For him I often feel solicitude. A God of 
mercy and a hearer of prayer will, I hope, be his God." 

" Montrose, Penn., June 13. We left Wilkesbarre 
yesterday, with gratitude for many attentions received 
there for our dear sister's sake, while my own eyes were 
suffused with tears at the thousand tender recollections 

which came swarming over my mind For the 

first fifteen miles, on the banks of the Susquehannah, we 
had a fine road, and delightful scenery. Since then, our 
way has been ascending and descending, till we have 
reached this (what may be called) ' village in the moun- 
tains.' It is a pleasant village, and here we pass to-mor- 
row, the Sabbath." 

"Owego, N. Y., June 16. We reached this pleas- 
ant village last evening, after a very tedious ride. It is 
on the banks of the Susquehannah, which river we have 
now crossed three times. It is twenty-nine miles distant 
from Montrose, and the road is one of the most hilly 
imaginable. It is a common remark with the teamsters 
who travel it, that there is not a place through the whole 
distance where a carriage will stand still ! I have walked 
up many an ascent, and should have been glad to do so in 
respect to them all, for the relief of our horse, but have 
really become lame in walking. A journey, like the jour- 
ney of life, must have its inconveniences, as well as its 
pleasures." 

" Sweden, N. Y., June 22. Leaving Owego, we 
passed a day at Ithica with friends very pleasantly ; and 
thence, through Geneva, Canandaigua, and other pleasant 



140 MEMOIR. 

villages, came to this place. Mr. Dimmick's father and 
mother and a sister, have all departed to the other world 
within a year past — the last mentioned only about four 
weeks previous to our arrival. These are sad changes, 
and have clothed every thing here with gloom. May we 
be profited by such dispensations !" 

"Lockport, June 27. Our passage hither in the canal 
boat yesterday was very agreeable. Though the mode of 
conveyance is not rapid, yet the constantly shifting scene 
prevents it from being tedious ; and there is almost as 
much change within, as without — at nearly every station 
some leaving and others coining on board to supply their 
place. With two or three female passengers I had a good 
deal of conversation. One was a young lady from Penn- 
sylvania, who was returning to her home at the West with 
her father. She had been in P. at school ; was gay and 
full of spirits. There was considerable native simplicity 
about her and an openness which interested me. One of 
the ladies, (both of whom were acquainted with her,) ask- 
ed her of the novel she had been reading. She professed 
herself deeply interested in novels ; and hoping that 
some remarks might be made that would be useful to her 
in future, I endeavored to sustain the conversation, and 
soon found that the ladies had both left me to the task of 
convincing their young friend of the deleterious influence 
of novels, when perused with the avidity with which she 
unhesitatingly declared that she read them. She acknowl- 
edged the justice of several considerations advanced, and 
smiled often as if she had been conscious of the very 
results mentioned in her own case. As our conversation 
proceeded I endeavored to become more serious, and ask- 
ed her if she had ever paid as much attention to the sub- 
ject of religion. She smiled, but not gaily, and said, 



MEMOIR. 141 

' No, but she always attended family devotions morning 
and evening ; read a chapter twice a day in her Bible ; 
and went to church on Sabbath-days. That, she said, 
was what she gave to religion ; that she had regular hours 
for her various studies, which were not suffered to be 
broken in upon by any company or inferior pursuit ; and 
that the rest of her time was given to reading novels and 
other amusements.' The great frankness with which she 
made me, though a stranger, acquainted with these par- 
ticulars, heightened my interest in her, and I pressed the 
subject with as much closeness, mingled with tenderness, 
as I could. She looked serious at times, and once I ob- 
served a rising tear. After some other conversation, she 
asked me if we were going to the Falls. I told her it 
was possible, but not immediately. She replied, she 
wished we were, as she should like my company. What, 
said I, if I am going to talk all the way, as I have done, 
for it is very possible I should ? ' O yes,' she said, ' for 
it would be for good.' After tea we were soon seated to- 
gether, and feeling that the time was short before we 
should separate, I renewed the conversation. She had 
just been complaining of the tediousness of being shut up 
in the cabin, &c. But, omitting any observation on that 
point, I continued to press on her the importance of giv- 
ing up the follies of the world, and attending to religion 
as a personal concern. She evidently felt somewhat the 
force of the truth that it was her duty ; and summoning 
resolution, she told me she had recently felt very strangely, 
as she expressed it ; that she knew not what to make of 
it ; that during her journey she had been in a different 
state of mind from what she had felt at any previous time 
until that day, when from company, &c. she had been 
more gay. I drew from her the particulars of her feel- 
ings ; and, by what she told me, I was convinced that 
13 



L42 MEMOIR. 

her long journey in company with her father, having taken 
her off from her young companions, had been made a 
season of reflection, in which the all-merciful Spirit of 
God had been leading her mind to a measure of considera- 
tion on the things of her peace. One or two special 
providences also had assisted. I exhorted her to fall in 
with these strivings of the Spirit; and endeavored to com- 
mend her, and the short conversation I had had with her, 
to God who performeth all things well ; and hope it may 
be a link in the chain of means which shall eventually 
bring her to ' the truth as it is in Jesus.' " 

This passage is inserted thus at length, as the incident 
related is an illustration of .Mrs. Dimmick's manner in 
travelling. In the canal boat, or stage coach, or railroad 
car, she did not, through fear, or unwillingness to meet 
the cross, conceal her religion. More than is usual, she 
carried fur heart in fur hand. And yet she had such a 
way of introducing serious subjects, as, in general, not to 
give offence, but engage attention, and make the cause 
of truth respected. She felt the duty of scattering seed 
by the way-side all along her pilgrimage. Her journeys 
for relaxation found her still active. In harmony with 
which is a passage in a letter on another occasion to her 
sister : " I hope you will be able to do good in your ab- 
sence, as well as receive good. How important is it, that, 
wherever we are., we should be about our Master's busi- 
ness. We cannot help exerting influence. Let us exert 
it for Him, and his cause, who gave himself for us." 

" Buffalo, July 16. Since my last, dear sister, we have 
passed through a variety of scenes. Leaving Lockport, 
after two or three days' visit with Mr. Dimmick's brother 
and sister Story, we came to this place, and hence went 



MEMOIR. 143 

immediately to Erie, Penn. There we tarried with friends 
a fortnight — much longer than we intended, being detain- 
ed by Mr. Dimmick's illness. We visited friends also at 
Ripley ; passed a few hours with a college acquaintance 
of Mr. Dimmick's at Dunkirk ; and are now returned as 
far as this place on our way home. Our visits have been 
very pleasant, except that they have been marred with 
sickness, as every thing earthly is more or less marred. 
We leave here in an hour or two for Niagara Falls." 

" Lewiston, July 17. I must just tell you of our ride 
to this place yesterday. Leaving Buffalo at 9 o'clock, we 
crossed the Niagara river at Black Rock, in a crazy 
horse-boat, and found ourselves at once in his majesty's 
dominions, under a clear sky and bright sun, with the 
noble Niagara on our right, pursuing its course to its ab- 
rupt and mighty descent. Within a few miles of the 
great object of attraction, we saw at a distance something 
like the smoke of a burning mass, and were conjecturing 
what it might be, when a passenger on the out-side of the 
stage informed us that it was the spray from the Falls — 
which we found to be the case. After dinner, we took a 
survey, of an hour or two, of this great wonder. I shall 
not attempt now to describe to you Niagara Falls. I con- 
templated the scene from some points from which I 
had not before beheld it. From whatever point this great 
assemblage of impressive objects is viewed, it strikes the 
mind with awe. A second visit is no less interesting than 
the first, nine years ago. 

" From Niagara we proceeded to Queenstown ; on 
whose heights is Brock's monument, erected to the memo- 
ry of Gen. Brock, who fell at this place in an engagement 
with the Americans in the last war. We entered it, and 
ascended to its top by a winding flight of stairs, of one 



1 44 MEMOIR. 

hundred and seventy steps. Near the top is a gallery, or 
platform, on the outside, surrounded by an iron railing, 
from which the view, especially in a northerly direction, 
stretching over lake Ontario and the Canadas, is most 
magnificent. 

" We were soon after at this village ; whence we pro- 
ceed early in the morning homeward" 



Near the close of 1 S*2*>, and till towards the middle of 
1830. Mrs. Dimmick was left alone. An enfeebled state 
of health rendered it necessary for her husband to spend 
the cold season in a Southern climate. Much satisfaction 
and benefit would have accrued to him, could she have 
accompanied him. But some insuperable difficulties ap- 
peared to lie in the way. He left home the 21st of De- 
cember, and returned the 1 0th of the following June. 

A clergyman's wife, under these circumstances, is 
placed in a trying situation. The pulpit is supplied by 
another than her husband. She feels a double care and 
solicitude that things may go well, while the sympathy 
and aid to which she has been accustomed are withdrawn 
from her. The burdens that devolve on her, she has to 
bear alone ; besides the anxieties she feels for the absent, 
amidst the perils of seas and other climes. 

A few extracts from Mrs. Dimmick's letters to her hus- 
band, during this absence, will show how she passed these 
lonely months. 

" Jan. 20, 1830. Truly ours should be the language 
of praise to God for his mercy in preserving you to reach 
the land after your tedious voyage I have made 



MEMOIR. 145 

about twenty-five calls in the parish since you left. Mr. 
J. S. is declining gradually. I have visited him twice. I 
feel anxious for his salvation, and have endeavored to 
urge on him ' Repentance towards God, and faith towards 

our Lord Jesus Christ.' Mr. H. is faithful in his 

preaching, and desires to do good among us." 

"Feb. 11. The colored woman of whom I spoke in 
my last, continues deeply impressed. Another individual 
has had his mind turned to religion in a sudden manner. 
God seems to be doing something among us. Mrs. S. has 
at length departed from this evil world. Mr. S. remains 
about the same. I shall go to see him as soon I can. . . 
. . . You speak of books. Father Henry has engrossed 
more of my attention of late than any other author. I 
am more engaged in thinking, than in reading, just now. 
I sift things over and over, till there seems little left to 
work upon, sometimes." 

" Feb. 20. I have had much conflict of late in my 
own heart, and some trials from without, which combined 
have borne heavily upon me. But I hope the trial is less- 
ening Mrs. F. (the colored woman) appears to 

have passed from death unto life." 

" Feb. 27. It would please me much to be with you 
in viewing all that is fine at the South ; but could I only 
be with you to minister to your comfort, I would willingly 
forego all other pleasures What a year of va- 
riety has this been to us. God's dealings with us are 
mysterious. But ' why should a living man complain?' 
This is enough to silence us. O that sanctification may 
ensue from this severe discipline. God often chastens 
sharply, before he bestows signal favors ; and I sometimes 
13* 



14G MEMOIR. 

dare to hope that he means some great kindness to us, as 
the result of our present correction. Shall it be winter 
all the year? This is not the case usually in the dealings 
of our merciful condescending God. 

" At the inquiry meeting last week, ten were present. 

Four or five of them had not attended before. Mr. 

was at the meeting, and I was enabled to converse 

with him on what I believe is the grand hindrance to his 
salvation, (his traffic in ardent spirits,) as in view of the 
judgment day. I think God enabled me to speak for him, 
and so to speak as forever to clear my conscience, though 
the individual concerned should continue to sin, and 

finally perish Mr. H. had an inquiry meeting 

again la^t evening. Fourteen were present." 

" March 8. Yours of Feb. 19, reached me March 2, 
and informed me of your contemplated removal from 
Charleston to Cuba. You will not be surprised when I 
say, that it has cost me an effort to become reconciled to 
this measure. But I hope it will be for good. 

****** 

"You will wish to know how things are with us. 
There are some occurences a little favorable. E. P. is 
awakened to a sense of her necessities as an immortal 
being. L. B. is also asking earnestly, ' what she shall do 
to be saved?' Two or three others appear very solemn. 
I made a visit among the colored people on Friday last. 
Mr. F. appears thoughtful and somewhat impressed. He has 
abstained from rum the fortnight past, and reads his Bible, 
and has prayed in his family. He says he ' has been 
serious before, but did not continue so, because drinking 
spirit would not let him.' This would answer for a 

description of many a poor wretch Mrs. R. B. 

is a little better. I called to see her on Saturday 



MEMOIR. 147 

I have been out this afternoon to see some sick persons 
in the parish." 

"March 14. On Tuesday I called at Mr. E. B.'s, 
and had conversation with Mrs. B. and L. their daugh- 
ter. I found the latter hoping that she had cast her- 
self on a Saviour's mercy. On Wednesday I called 
at Mr. F.'s, and found Mrs. F. a good deal solicitous 
about the things of her peace. In the evening a meeting 
was held at Mr. B.'s, and about sixty were present. Some 
neighborhood meetings were held in town at the same 
time. I think we have not before seen, in this place, so 
general a quickening among Christians." 

"April 20. I have this morning visited Mrs. I. C, 
who has a child lying dead. Mr. C. has a child, but a lit- 
tle younger, very low. How many of the dear children, 
born about the time of our own, have been early taken 
from this world of sin. May we not hope that they form 
an angel band in the heavenly world, praising together 
the great Redeemer ? Who would regret contributing 
to so glorious a result? ' Thy will be done on earth, as 
it is in heaven /'" 

" June 1. M. F. hopes she has given herself to 
her Saviour, likewise H. M. and one or two others. . . . 
. . We have been arranging matters lately for the estab- 
lishment of a charitable infant school. Several ladies are 
engaged about it, and have contributed to its advance- 
ment. They have, however, put the burden of its estab- 
lishment chiefly on me, others assisting. I did not feel 
able to assume the responsibility, and know not how it 
will succeed. But I felt encouraged by the words, ' cast 
thy burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.' I 



148 MEMOIR. 

hope the Lord will take care of it, and then it will cer- 
tainly do well and accomplish good. 

"When I contemplate the arduousness of your work, 
how much it needs all the strength of body you have, and 
all the ardor of the soul, I hardly dare think of your re- 
turn. This is a great work indeed, and I have never 
thought of it with feelings of deeper solemnity, and I 
may add, at times, of distress even, than since your ab- 
sence. ' Who is sufficient for these things?'" 

These passages show how she was employed during the 
anxious period in question; still serving the Redeemer, 
and the people in the midst of whom the providence of 
God had placed her. " Our dear Mrs. Dimmick," said a 
letter from a friend, during the time, " is much engaged 
in promoting our prayer-meetings, and other good things. 
It is a great comfort to have her with us during your ab- 
sence." 



CHAPTER IX. 

Extracts of Letters to a Hesitating Inquirer — Some further Letters on 
Kindred Subjects. 

The labors of Mrs. Dimmick's pen were sometimes 
employed with those immediately around her, to win them 
to Christ. Instances of this kind, supply the material 
for this chapter. The first is the case of a young friend 
somewhat captivated with the gayeties of life ; and, at the 
same time, struggling hard to escape from the claims of 
evangelical doctrine, in which she had been educated. 
With much reasoning in conversation, much also was 
done in writing. The following passages — taken from 
letters and notes without date, but spreading over a year 
or two — will show the spirit and manner of her part of 
the correspondence. Here also she was permitted to see 
good fruit of her labor. 

" Dear : Be entreated to become a Christian — a 

decided Christian. Disappoint the great adversary of 
your best interests, and be an example to your gay friends ; 
and procure thus, moreover, the approbation of your own 
conscience, and of your Saviour and your God." 

" It is the mark of an ingenuous (and has often been 



150 MEMOIR. 

the proof of a great) mind, to confess ourselves in the 
wrong, when wrong has been committed, and to pursue the 
straight line of duty, against the powerful influence of 
censure and sarcasm." 

" Dear . I advise you to attend the meeting this 

evening, for baptized children. Your connection with the 
church by baptism gives you a right there, of which no 
one on earth can deprive you. And may the Saviour of 
lost sinners meet you there, and cause your heart to melt 
in penitence; lead you to embrace him as your Redeemer, 
and enable you to renounce a world which allures you 
from the path of duty and of life!" 

" Never apologize for coming to see me, when 

the important interest of the soul is the object of the visit. 
You did not detain me from a single duty yesterday. I 
imagine sometimes that you do not wish me to be quite 
so free as I often am. Then I banish such thoughts. I 
certainly tremble for you in your present position. There 
is no safety for you till your heart is given to your Re- 
deemer." 

" You ask if I have not something good for you ? 

Interesting question ! I have. I have a Saviour to offer 
you ! one infinitely able to enlighten your understanding, 
and sanctify your heart, and make you happy, here and 
forever ! There is only one single condition — one easy 
condition— and that is, that you will just come to him 
penitently, and receive the invaluable gift. Human help 
is vain. You need His help who is able to save. And 
let me say to you that he is also willing — that he is even 
waiting to be gracious, while you are refusing him ad- 
mittance to your heart. O that you knew the blessedness 



MEMOIR. 151 

of him that believeth ! But you have no steady, perse- 
vering, ardent wish for it, and neither God, angel, nor 
man can consistently force it on a free moral agent." 

" I hope you will speedily find relief by repairing 

to the cross of Christ. There is no other way to obtain 
scriptural peace. In vain is mere external morality ; in 
vain are all the devices of man's invention ; nothing else 
will meet the exigencies of our case. Again 1 say, be a 
Christian — a consistent Christian — an entire Christian, 
whatever it may cost you. Heaven will repay all." 

" Do not be concerned at the thought that you 

trouble me with the overflowings of your heart. Your 
heart and your life have, indeed, been such as they should 
not be. But Christ came to call, ' not the righteous, 
but sinners to repentance, — sinners ! just such as you are. 
If you have in any measure given yourself to the Saviour, 
exercise now a little confidence in him. Remember that 
he will save from the condemning power of that holy law 
which you have broken. He came on purpose to repair 
the injury done by sinners in violating so holy and good a 
law, and was perfectly free in doing it. And now does 
he not feel a sacred and divine delight in seeing a sinner 
come and accept that righteousness which he offers — a 
sinner feeling and confessing that he has none of his 
own? This leads to true gratitude. This lays a founda- 
tion for a new life — a life of obedience from holy mo- 
tives, and on holy principles : a life of felt obligation for 
redeeming love. And this will prepare for joining in the 
employments and enjoyments of heaven ; where the myste- 
ries of this w r orld will be unfolded, and every redeemed 
soul will say, ' He hath done all things well ! ' " 



152 MEMOIR. 

" You are afraid of selfishness in seeking your own 
salvation. And selfishness is our easily besetting sin, and 
the source of all sin, and should be most sedulously 
guarded against. Yet I would by no means have you in- 
different in regard to a matter which has cost our bless- 
ed Saviour so much agony and pain. Your salvation 
from eternal misery was precious in his sight, and ought 
to be in yours. He does not merely say, ' Come unto me 
and glorify me;' but, 'Come unto me and be saved.' 
Yet, thanks to his name, we may and shall glorify him if 
we do fully come to him, and accept this salvation. And 
how could we bear to have it otherwise 1 ? How much 
would it take from the satisfaction of relioion, if nothing 
but OUT salvation was to he Becured, and we had no pros- 
pect of honoring, of glorifying the rich and wonderful 
grace, of our great Deliverer ? Could we bear a scheme 
so selfish ? Would it commend itself to our understand- 
in--, or our hearts | No, may we well say, no, blessed 
Lord, we would choose just such a salvation as thine — 
abasing while it exalts the sinner — honoring that law which 
has Keen dishonored by us — and bringing to view, before 
the intelligent universe, the most wonderful condescen- 
sion, with the most exalted benevolence, which it was pos- 
sible for God to show. 

" And now, my dear friend, leave yourself wholly with 
this great and glorious Saviour. Abstain as much as 
possible from dwelling on those things which induce 
despair. Trust simply in Him. This will honor him. 
Fear not to say, ' Thy will be done ! ' for it is the tem- 
per of heaven ; and those who truly say it shall find ac- 
ceptance with God, and admittance to the bright world 
where every blessed spirit delights to do all God's will." 

" Now if you continue to look to the Saviour 



MEMOIR. 153 

with an eye of faith, instead of searching for righteous- 
ness in yourself; and if this view of a Saviour leads you 
to a new and obedient course of life ; it will not be un- 
safe to conclude that you are a Christian — to believe that 
you have that ' new heart and right spirit' which are 
pleasing to God, and are the fruit of his own gracious 
operation." 

" You speak of your natural levity. I am con- 
vinced that you need to exercise a more strict and perse- 
vering watchfulness over yourself. I know, by my own 
heart, how much you are losing by not maintaining a due 
measure of sobriety. You must suppress that kind of 
witty talent you have, or I fear that many young Chris- 
tians, with no more advantages than you possess, (perhaps 
less,) will outstrip you in the race, and you will be left be- 
hind. Make not the excuse, that you cannot do better. 
You can ; and if you do not, you will reap from your er- 
ror most bitter fruits." 

" If you have conveyed your heart away, and 

have had conveyed to you, or I would rather say, confer- 
red upon you, pardon and peace from God our Saviour, 
this is happiness enough. I hope that this is the fountain 
at which you are now drinking. And no doubt the con- 
trast between these sweet waters, and the bitter streams 
at which you have lately been drinking so largely, aids in 
giving them their peculiar relish. O be careful not to 
mingle them. Be watchful — nothing but sin will defile or 
injure you. Live wholly devoted, and you shall have con- 
tinual peace ; and sleeping or waking, living or dying, the 
Saviour and the fullness of his perfection is pledged for 
your security — your everlasting joy ! " 



14 



154 MEMOIR. 



The following is to a young friend in acknowledgement 
of a present. 

"Dear . I intended, before this, to acknowledge 

your acceptable present. Receive my thanks for it. I 
assure you I am much pleased with every such token of 
affection and regard, not only on its own account, but par- 
ticularly as, extended to a minister's wife, indicative of 
serious respecl for religion. I hope ever to retain a place 
in your affections, and that I may never prove myself un- 
worthy of it. 

" And now, dear friend, can I better show my love to 
you, than in telling you, that 1 feel a deep interest in your 
spiritual welfare? I greatly desire that you may early 
know the happiness which flows from a renewed heart, 
and the consecration of your earliest and best affections 
to the Saviour of sinners. Do, my dear young friend, 
give your immediate and undivided attention to this sub- 
ject. I doubt not that you think of it frequently as a 
matter of importance — as something that must be attend- 
ed to, it' vour future and eternal state shall be one of hap- 
piness. But, alas! there is no subject on which so much 
procrastination is practiced, as on this — and yet none 
where it is so dangerous to delay. Allow me to urge you 
to consider this subject wow, before the world presents 
any more allurements, or its cares press more upon you. 
I doubt not the Spirit waits to be your helper, and to 
bring you from darkness to light ; and I am sure, if you 
should once feel the delightful change, your joy would be 
overflowing ; you would have a new object to live for, 
and new and higher sources of pleasure opened to you 
than you have ever yet enjoyed, or ever can enjoy if these 
are rejected. 



MEMOIR. 155 

" Excuse the length of my note, and accept my warm- 
est wishes, and most fervent prayers, for your present and 
future happiness." 

The following was to a lady who had been sick, but 
was recovering. 

" Dear Mrs. J. I have thought often of you since I 
heard of your being sick, and have greatly desired that I 
might hear that you had found a resting place on that 
firm foundation which can never be moved. What can 
you do without it, and especially how will you be able to 
do without it in the great day of trial ? It has rejoiced 
my heart to hear that some around you have turned to the 
Lord — have given their hearts to our Divine Saviour. 
And will not you be of the number 1 O how long, dear 
friend, has the patience of God waited on you ! Does 
not this thought affect your heart ? Can you not come 
to Christ for help, as well as others ? Will there ever be 
a more favorable time 1 Is not this the only time of 
which you are sure ? O cast yourself on the sovereign 
mercy of God through Jesus Christ, and resign your all 
to him. What a mercy that Christ is willing to receive 
us, poor and wretched as we are, if we will only come to 
him feeling our poverty and wretchedness. 

" I send you the accompanying tract. May you be 
enabled to flee to that Saviour whom it so clearly ex- 
hibits." 

To a young relative in affliction. 

" You know who directs all things. You must en- 
deavor, dear H. to feel that it is all, all right, and must 
bow submissively to all as from a Father's chastening 



156 



MEMOIR. 



rod, designed to call off your affections from earth, and 
fix them on the great salvation. May you be enabled to 
say, in the spirit of adoption, 

' Father, I bless thy gentle hand, 
How kind was thy chastising rod, 
Which forced my conscience to a stand, 
And brought my wandering soul to God.' " 

To the same. 

" I hope you will try not to yield to despondency, and 
especially learn to put your whole trust in God, and sav- 
ingly acquaint yourself with him, and be at peace. O 
remember the great worth of your soul, immortal as it is, 
and risk its welfare no longer by delay." 

To another young friend and relative. 

" May I not hope, from the few words in your letter 
expressive of your feelings under the loss of your parents, 
that you have chosen their Saviour to be your Saviour, 
and everlasting friend ? O how much has this been the 
subject of their prayers and their efforts. Have you not 
felt it a matter of deep regret, that you had not, ere their 
departure, cheered their hearts, by giving yourself to the 
service of God ? But such good news reaches heaven ; 
and perhaps they have already sung new songs to redeem- 
ing love on your account And now dear W. re- 
main steadfast in your resolution to serve the Lord. Never 
go back to earthly things as your portion. Instead of 
this, ' grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ.' Take up any and every 
cross which may lie in your way, and endeavor to be faith- 
ful in the service of your God. Be faithful to your fellow 
sailors ; and, while you set them a good and pious exam- 



MEMOIR. 157 

pie, speak to them of a Saviour, and endeavor to lead 
them to Him. Be thankful, as you witness the supersti- 
tions of heathen countries, and of other nations who have 
embraced false religions, that you have been born in a 
Christian land, and have a better lot. Pray much. Let 
your heart often ascend to God, while your hands are en- 
gaged in your common avocations. Every blessing at- 
tend you." 

The following was to a young acquaintance at a dis- 
tance, of whose hopeful conversion she had received in- 
telligence. 

" My very dear J . I can no longer delay telling 

you how much joy I received from your letter of last 
Saturday. It was, indeed, unexpected, but not the less 
welcome. Blessed be the Lord, that he has sent renew- 
ing grace to our fallen world ; and blessed be his name, 
that, as we hope, it has attracted and overcome the heart 
of my dear J. I felt a deep interest in your becoming a 

Christian, the first time I saw you in B , which was 

heightened whenever we had any conversation on the sub- 
ject. I knew how many obstacles the Spirit of God 
would probably find, guarding every avenue to your heart, 
and it often then and since has brought a deep sigh from 
my bosom. Still I knew that nothing could resist om- 
nipotent energy ; and I trusted that the time was not far 
distant when He, who has the power, would draw you, 
with the cords of sovereign love, to himself. And now, 
is it indeed so ? What praise is due ! 

" Numerous questions rush upon my mind, which I long 

to ask you ; and I cannot help thinking how sweet an hour's 

conversation with you would be. Write me again, and give 

me a fuller account of yourself, and tell me whether any of 

14* 



158 MEMOIR. 

your young friends, or others, are coming into the king- 
dom with you. Dear J., you must feel a deep interest 
in the salvation of others; it is one of the best marks of 
discipleship. If I mistake not, you told me, in one 
of our interviews, that if you should ever be a Christian, 
you should wish to be a decided one. Now this is just 
what your Saviour would have you to be — just what the 
church of Christ needs — and, as a very inferior motive, 
I would say, just what would delight my heart concerning 
you. 

" You say you ' have not yet found that perfect peace 
and confidence which you expected.' Be not discourag- 
ed on this account. As long as the Bible is precious, 
and prayer a source of consolation and support, you have 
an abiding evidence that the Lord is with you, and you 
with him. Be very careful not to grieve that Spirit, who, 
in the expressive language of another, is ' infinitely deli- 
cate,' withdrawing speedily from the soul when his in- 
fluences are not appreciated or desired. Often use that 
petition of our Saviour's prayer, ' Lead me not into temp- 
tation ' — and be sure not to place yourself where you have 
good reason to believe you can do no good, and may re- 
ceive much harm. While you mingle with the world, be 
careful to maintain the character of a Christian. Let 
your example ever speak for Christ, and your tongue also 
on all fitting occasions. I can but just touch on a few of 
your privileges and duties. My heart would dictate much 
more. Indeed, the subject is endless, because, in its en- 
tire bearings, it is infinite. I have prayed much for you 
since the reception of yours, feeling how important your 
outset in the Christian life is, and how much it may affect 
your whole Christian course. I again commend you to 
the love and grace of our divine Saviour. May you ever 
grow in the knowledge and love of Him ! " 



MEMOIR. 159 

To a near friend about to make a public profession of 
religion. 

" Dec. 15, 1827. I saw Mr. this week. He in- 
formed me of your health, and also that you have been 
propounded for admission to the church. This has led 
me to very serious thoughts, and to some fervent petitions 
that you may perform the solemn duty in an under- 
standing and acceptable manner. Do not suppose that I 
would deter you from what I consider a duty binding on 
every real Christian. But it seemed a very solemn thing, 
when I thus publicly separated myself from the world, 
and devoted myself to Christ and his cause ; and it ap- 
pears a great thing to me to have you do it. My prayers 
will ascend daily, that you may do it aright, and that you 
may have grace thenceforth to meet the responsibilities 
you will thus assume. Remember that hereafter you 
will stand so identified with the cause of truth and holi- 
ness, that sin in you will be more sinful and inexcusable 
than before ; that the world will expect to see a marked 
difference between you and them, and between you and 
your former self. I hope that you will seek for deeper 
and deeper Christian experience ; that you will be sober- 
minded, be faithful in prayer, and watch against every 
sin which may easily beset you." 



CHAPTER X. 

A severe Sickness in 1831 — The Death of her last Sister— Her notices of 
Revivals of Religion in 1831 ; and subsequently. 

In the summer and fall of 1831, Mrs. Dimmick was 
visited with a very severe sickness — a nervous fever. 
She apparently came near the grave. A shock was given 
to her constitution, from which she never after fully re- 
covered. She suffered also exceedingly. The disease 
was on the nerves of the system, most intimately con- 
nected with the mind, and disqualifying the mind itself to 
act with its wonted composure. Of this sickness she 
herself says : 

" Dec. 25, 1831. My nerves have received a most 
violent shock, the remembrance of which, with the men- 
tal agony it produced, still awakens distress. Surely 
' thy judgments are a great deep ! ' Was this chastise- 
ment the necessary discipline of a Father's love? Was 
it a direct answer to the petitions which I had often 
presented, to be crucified to the world, and made holy 
and acceptable to God 1 If so, I little anticipated 
the process necessary to the accomplishment of the 
result. How does it become me to inquire, whether 



MEMOIR. 161 

I have secured the blessing. That I have had many 
and very serious views of life, death, time, and eter- 
nity ; of Christians, of sinners, and of duty, I am sure. 
A tide of thought, and of most serious thought, has 
been constantly flowing through my mind, and has given 
greater familiarity to the awful subjects contemplated. 
Yet, apprehending, as I did, my liability to be called 
shortly into the presence of God, and to enter on a new 
state of existence, I felt a shrinking and reluctance. I 
longed for the rest which I felt certain that entire sub- 
mission to God would give, but I found it not. I feared 
that I should dishonor religion. Yet my views of the 
character and government of God, as perfect, remained 
the same. The gospel of Christ appeared the same 
scheme of infinite mercy to a fallen world. Our need of 
it appeared as great as before, perhaps greater — certainly 
when applied to myself. The church of Christ appeared 
as necessary in its influence on its members, and on the 
world, as ever, and the various ways of promoting its in- 
terests, and the salvation of lost men, matters of as high 
and interesting regard, as when I was actively engaged 
in duties of this description. Was it the state of my 
nerves, with the delicate and unknown connection they 
have with mind, that produced the mental darkness I felt? 
My friends have told me so. And I think I may hope 
and believe that such was the case. But oh the suffer- 
ings that have been endured ! May God enable me to 
make a right use of this sickness — to consecrate the re- 
mainder of life to Him, in whatever way his providence 
shall direct, and to be fully prepared for all his will in 
future. Blessed be the Lord for his goodness ! " 

Under another date, a little earlier, the subject is also, 
more succinctly, mentioned. 



162 MEMOIR. 

" Nov. 3, 1831. I have, during my illness, when at 
its height, had serious views of eternity, and pondered 
deeply what it would be to leave all that is earthly, and 
enter on the untried scenes of that state. I felt that I 
had not lived as an immortal being with such prospects 
before him ought to live. I felt unprepared for events of 
such overwhelming consequence. I desired to live, that 
I might redeem the time, and lay a better foundation — or 
rather, get my interest on the sure foundation, the rock 
Christ, more firmly settled, so that 1 might honor him on 
a sick bed, and triumph in death. The Lord has spared 
me; and may it be to serve him more faithfully while I 
tabernacle here, and so prepare for a happy exit, and 
what lies beyond. I am fully convinced that Christians 
generally do not live for eternity — with that world in 
view — as they ought. ' O that they also, (as well as the 
unthinking and careless,) were wise ; that they under- 
stood this ; that the y would consider their latter end ! 5 " 

This incident in Mrs. Dimmick's life, is given for its 
illustration of an important principle. The doctrine of 
submission, or resignation to the will of God, is some- 
times pressed so far as to allow nothing to a diseased ner- 
vous system. The moral in man must, indeed, always 
be submissive to God — resigned to his will. But an agi- 
tated physical frame is not a subject of moral law, and 
the mind, partaking of the agitation, is sometimes unable 
to exercise entire self-control. It was a remark of Mrs. 
Dimmick herself, that sometimes too much is required of 
the Christian, in this respect, when passing through 
scenes of sickness and trials. Some natures, indeed, are 
all quiescent. Some diseases stupify. And these things 
are mistaken, sometimes for submission. God detects the 
deficiency, or the spurious, under these appearances, and 



MEMOIR. 163 

sees also the real, the genuine, where it exists, even 
amidst many struggles and physical agitations. 

In July, 1833, Mrs. Dimmick was called to part with 
her only remaining sister, Mrs. Penelope J. M. Pearson, 
wife of Capt. John Smith Pearson, of Newburyport. 
This was a deep affliction. 

" I tremble," she said, shortly after, " at recording the 
desolation which has visited me. Yes, I have been called 
to part with my dear, only remaining, and well-beloved 
sister. The grave has closed suddenly over her noble 
and commanding form, and that heart, so full of tender 
sensibility and warm affection, has ceased to beat forever. 
We passed the last evening of her health together, and 
the recollection of it is full of tenderness. The light of 
the morning showed her prostrate on the bed, which, in 
four short days, became the bed of death. She retained 
her reason as long as consciousness continued, and her 
spirit was sweet, peaceful, resigned. Rarely have I seen 
one more uniformly calm and submissive — so affectionate, 
so grateful, so humble. Her words and her spirit were, 
' Father, not my will, but thine be done.' 

' Sweet to lie passive in his hand, 
And know no will hut his.' 

I witnessed her last sighings, and saw her gently releas- 
ed by the angel of death. My spirit was calm at the 
moment. I acquiesced in my Father's will. I thought 
of her as mounting to the throne, and could not but feel, 
with no common emotion, 

' the sweet wonders of the scene, 
Which rush upon her sight! ' 



164 MEMOIR. 

But oh the thought returns again and again, she is gone, 
— gone from earth forever ! How dream-like ! How 
astonishing to herself has been an opening heaven with 
its mighty scenes! And have my departed sisters, who 
on earth were as one, already met and recognised each 
other on the everlasting plains? Methinks they have, 
and I feel a sacred satisfaction in the thought. I can go 
further, and admit the possibility that they are now sym- 
pathising with their lonely sorrowing sister, still an in- 
habitant of earth. 

" This is in some respects the keenest sorrow I have 
ever felt. This the greatest loss I have ever sustained. 
O how dear was this very dear sister ! I know it is my 
duty to repress, rather than cherish that keen sensibility 
which frequently asks indulgence, and is sometimes too 
imperative to take a denial. I can hardly express how 
intimate we were with each other; how much we de- 
pended on each other's counsel and aid in every question, 
and on all occasions ; how entirely confidential in all our 
intercourse, so that we never considered a thing as fairly 
enjoyed, till we had enjoyed it together ; or if something 
of a painful nature had occurred, our pain was not re- 
moved till soothed by the other's sympathy. Yet, in the 
language of inspired truth, { I am dumb, I open not my 
mouth ; because thou hast done it.' ' The Lord is right- 
eous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.' " 

Her letters also speak on this subject. 

" July 22, 1S33. I am conscious that I leaned on this 
dear sister very much. It is pleasant to reflect how much 
we loved each other, and how uninterrupted our sisterly 
affection has been. I cannot hope that her place can 
ever be filled to me in this world. May you and I find it 



MEMOIR. 165 

specially blessed to us, in making us look less to earth, 
and more to heaven ! I have at times been distressed 
with the thought, that this providence might pass away 
without sanctification to us, and to the church, of which 
she was a consistent member." 

" Sept. 9. There is a melancholy pleasure in mourn- 
ing her loss. I cannot be willing to shake off the recol- 
lections, which, if indulged, are sure to bring tears to 
my eyes, and anguish to my heart. Yet I often think 
that I ought to rejoice in her departure, since I have the 
hope that it is her gain. And I am sometimes enabled 
so to do. I do believe that God has done it in wisdom, 
and that it is for the best." 

" Feb. 23, 1835. Dear Brother, .... I cannot forget 
that this day is the anniversary of our dear sister Susan's 
death, reckoning by the day of the week. You will not 
forget the parting scene between yourself and her. Few 
scenes through which I have passed in life, are more 
vividly impressed on my mind, than that. There was a 
tenderness and sublimity about it, which might well have 
employed the painter's skill to preserve it from oblivion, 
and which, I am confident, will never be obliterated 
from our memory. 

" I cannot tell you how much I have thought of both 
our beloved sisters during the last six weeks, or the 
many tears I have shed as I have recalled them in various 
ways to my mind. You will say I ought not to dwell too 
much on these subjects. I know I ought not to dwell on 
them too much. And I think I do not. The general 
error, it appears to me, is not, that the living think too 
much of their departed friends, but too little. Of this I 
am certain, though there are exceptions, as there are to 



166 MEMOIR. 

all general rules. I will say of them, as Rev. John New- 
ton said of his departed companion, ' I hope that while I 
can recollect where they sat, how they looked, and what 
they said, without hindering my business, hurting my 
spirits, or raising a murmuring thought against the will 
of God, it will not be my duty to forget them.' " 

" July 23. Since I last wrote you, the mournful 
anniversary of our dear sister P.'s sickness and death has 
occurred. This I observed with a multitude of thoughts 
and feelings, which I cannot describe. Two full years, 
according to the computation of earth, she has now been 
in eternity. But we cannot grasp a subject so high, with 
any adequate conception of what is involved in it. What 
a lesson was her sudden departure ! I can never forget 
it. I would not, if I could. Let us prepare to follow 
her." 

" Aug. 10. I hope I do not allude to her too often for 
your happiness. I certainly do not for my own, though 
almost every remembrance is accompanied with a tear. 
She was possessed of uncommonly fine sensibilities. 
This was among the most prominent and pleasing traits 
of her character. 

" I love to think of each of these dear ones, as having 
attained what the poet has sung : 

' Thou art gone to thy home in the land of the blest, 
Where sighing shall cease, where the weary shall rest ; 
Thy cares are all ended, thy toils are all o'er, 
Thou shalt sin, thou shalt suffer, and sorrow no more ! 

' But we, in our mourning, still long for that ray 
That gleamed through our darkness, that gladdened our way; 
Bright star, how we loved thee i thy kind ray is o'er ; 
blest one ! dear one, thou 'It cheer us no more ! 



MEMOIR. 167 

* Thy smile is departed, thy warm grasp is gone, 
Thy flowers are all withered, and cold thy hearth-stone, 
Thy home is deserted, thy welcome is o'er, 
Thy voice we shall hear, thy smile see no more ! 

' But O that bright home of the good and the blest ! 
We are bound to its bourn, we are seeking its rest; 
Thou waitest our coming upon its fair shore, 
We follow, — to meet thee, — and lose thee no more ! ' " 



It is apparent from what has been brought to view in 
the preceding chapters, that Mrs. Dimmick lived for the 
church of Christ. It will not be surprising, therefore, to 
find her entering deeply into scenes by which the pros- 
perity of the church was promoted, and greatly rejoicing 
in them. 

The year 1831 will long be remembered as a year of 
good things to Zion. Mrs. Dimmick mentions the bright- 
ening prospect in the circle of her own observation as 
follows. " Our heavy night began to give way to some 
feeble glimmerings of approaching day at the College 
Fast in February. Good tidings reached us of one or 
two young men, children of the church, at a distant lite- 
rary institution. Some special means, afterwards resort- 
ed to, were crowned with a blessing, and we may now be 
said to be enjoying a season of refreshing from the pres- 
ence of the Lord in no ordinary degree I feel 

very unworthy to be permitted to witness this work, and 
especially to have any share in labors to bring souls to 
Christ. Oh to have my dross taken away, and to be puri- 
fied as silver for the Master's use ! " 

It may be proper to dispose in order, some passages 



] 60* MEMOIR. 

from Mrs. Dimmick's letters and journal, relating to this 
success of the Gospel in the community in which she re- 
sided, especially as she took so lively an interest in it, was 
incessant in her prayers for it, and in labors in all appro- 
priate ways. We have seen the casual notices which 
she has given of additions to the church in earlier years. 
At this time, and for a few succeeding years, scenes of 
deeper interest occurred than had been witnessed before. 
She speaks of herself frequently, yet only with a view to 
present the subject for consideration. 

" April 18, 1831. The morning after you left us, not- 
withstanding the dampness of the weather, I arose early 
and attended the morning prayer meeting. On Friday 
our church held a Fast. In the morning we were togeth- 
er as a church, and renewed our covenant. In the after- 
noon we had a public meeting. This morning I was out 
again to the prayer meeting. Yesterday (Sabbath) the 
six persons propounded previously, and examined on Fri- 
day, were admitted to the church. I think some who 
have been halting a long time, begin to be quickened. 
One connected with the Bible class in the Sabbath school, 
expressed a hope to me yesterday. I have heard of one 
or two other conversions in town." 

" July 10. Mr. has told you what a solemn Sab- 
bath w r e had immediately succeeding our protracted meet- 
ing. No Sabbath since we have been here was ever fol- 
lowed with so powerful and immediate effects. Since that 
time, great things have been done, whereof we are glad. 
The last week has been a week of special interest. Seve- 
ral of our enterprising men of business have yielded to 
the power of the truth and the influences of the Spirit, 
as well as a number of interesting females. A solemnity 



MEMOIR. 161 

pervades our streets and our houses ; opposition retires 
into its secret corners, as if afraid or ashamed to show it- 
self. We ask an interest in your prayers." 

" July 22. Never, probably, was there so interesting 
a time in this town before. It is very unlike the revi- 
val in this place thirty years ago, the aged Christians 
testify. There has been a gradual but steady pro- 
gress ever since its commencement, and at no moment 
has the work appeared of greater interest, or brighter 
promise, than at present. In addition to the conversions 
which are of daily occurrence, there seems to be a work 
of preparation going on in the minds of a large and 
highly respectable part of the community, which leads 
the observing and prayerful to expect still further and 
greater results. The work is of that calm, deep, solemn 
character, which checks the sneers of skeptics, and 
makes many of them pause, and query whether this be 
not the power of God 1 The eyes of Christians are very 
much towards the Lord. Religion is the general topic of 
conversation in all places of resort. The way to the 
Saviour seems greatly shortened, and faith says, Make 
haste with thy salvation, O God. I should like to write 
you much more, but our house is a house of inquiry from 
morning to evening ; i. e. all are free to call at any hour 
for religious conversation, and many daily resort to us. 
We feel it to be eminently a * harvest time. 5 " 

" Aug. 16. It is most delightful to witness * the grow- 
ing empire of our King ' in this region, which has so long 
yielded but few accessions, comparatively, to Zion's 
ranks. We spent Thursday at B., where, at the close of 
the afternoon sermon, invitation being given for any to 
stay who were desirous of an interest in Christ, upwards 



162 MEMOIR. 

of one hundred took their seats, and much deep feeling 
was apparent. We left on Friday morning, and went to 
R. At noon, after a sermon, an invitation being given 
for those who desired, to remain to be conversed with, 
full one hundred and fifty stayed, and I have never wit- 
nessed more feeling on any similar occasion. The pro- 
portion of men in both places was considerable, but the 

greatest in the latter The revival with us goes 

on in a very encouraging manner. New instances of 
awakening and conversion occur daily." 

" Sept. 2. Our last Sabbath inquiry meeting was 
encouraging, as we found six or seven new cases of hope- 
ful conversion, and some of recent impression. Twelve 
were also propounded for admission to our church, nine 
of whom are men, heads of families. A meeting was 
held last evening for those who entertain hope that they 
have recently found an interest in Christ. Seventy-five 
were present, though not all who appear well in a judg- 
ment of charity. A meeting is held once a week for men 
exclusively. On Monday evening last, there were present 
about one hundred and fifty, and considerable interest 
was manifested. 

" There is an interesting revival at N. (Factory Vil- 
lage,) which I understand commenced from one of the 
deacons there being at our four days' meeting. He was 
greatly quickened, went home, commenced a morning 
prayer meeting the next morning, (they having no pastor 
at the time,) told what he had witnessed here, and was 
thus the means of quickening the church, and leading to 
the results which have followed. So God uses his work 
in one place, to promote it in another." 

" Dec. 3. This morning's mail brought us the painful 



MEMOIR. 163 

intelligence of the death of our beloved friend Mr. Amos 

Pettingel, tutor in Yale College In reference to 

this providence we feel constrained to say, ' Thy path is 
in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.' 
That God does all things well, is a point of our faith. 
But why he does many things is a deep mystery. How 
valiant has been the career of our young friend, since he 
was brought to the knowledge of Christ, in February last. 
No doubt can be felt that he is now enjoying the presence 
of Christ in glory. His Christian character was too 
strongly marked, to have been otherwise than real. His 
difference from his former self was too great, to allow 
that the change was other than that wrought by the Holy 
Ghost. Blessed be God for this exhibition of his almighty 
power and efficacious grace. The remembrance of it, 
and of the blessed fruits it produced, will long be 
cherished by very many who were warmed and quickened 
by his eloquence and devotion." 

11 Sept. 27, 1832. We have had two or three interest- 
ing conversions since I last wrote, also an addition of five 
to the church." 

" June 18, 1833. A gradual work has been going on 
in our parish for several weeks past. We are hoping it 

will increase O the wonders of divine grace at 

the present day ! How glad our hearts are made in 
respect to Zion." 

" Dec. 17. Our inquiry meeting on Thursday evening 
was one of the most interesting I ever attended. About 
sixty were present. A number were rejoicing in the 
hope that they had found the Saviour; others were deeply 
awakened ; and several who had previously indulged some 



164 MEMOIR. 

hope, now saw clearer light, and had resolved, as they 
had not done before, on new obedience. As many as 
twenty have already expressed hope in Christ, with great- 
er or less degrees of clearness, and a number of others 
are asking the way to Zion with their faces thitherward. 
Christians are invigorated, and the savor is so sweet on 
their spirits, that, instead of being tired, they are fresh to 
engage in further services for their Redeemer." 

" May 3, 1834. We are to have between thirty and 
forty propounded to-morrow for admission to our church, 

as a kind of rirst fruits of the late revival We have 

had no new cases of conversion, that I know of, for the 
last two or three weeks. Our work is now mostly that of 
establishing the young converts, and bringing them into 
the church. And this is a great work, and one of mo- 
mentous responsibility." 

" Sept. 30, 1836. We have had a day of fasting and 
prayer in our church this week. There appeared to be 
much good feeling, and we hope it will prove a means of 
quickening us all in the spiritual life, and that we shall 
be prepared as a church and people for greater blessings." 

" March 10, 1838. We are now enjoying a little re- 
viving in religion, but not so extensive as is desirable. 
There have been some interesting conversions in almost 
every evangelical congregation in town, and there are a 
number now seriously inquiring, who cannot yet be 
reckoned as genuine disciples. I hope you feel a portion 
of that heavenly influence, which is moving over your 
city. How grateful ought we to be, that so much of the 
reviving spirit is at present enjoyed in our land." 



MEMOIR. 165 

" Feb. 4, 1839. We feel encouraged in regard to the 
state of religion in our town. Christians are quickened, 
and a few conversions of an interesting character have 
recently taken place." 

" March 13. We are still favored with an unusual 
attention to the subject of religion, and of course have an 
abundance to do, of the best kind of work. We have 
religious services in the chapel the first four evenings of 
each week, and have had generally very interesting 
meetings. 

"How sweet is the service of Christ; yea, sweeter than 
honey and the honey-comb ! And if we thus judge in 
this imperfect state, with so many sins about us, what 
shall we think of the service of heaven, if we ever attain 
that happy state ? May grace keep us, extend its 
triumphs, and prepare our race for a blessed immortality," 



15 



CHAPTER XL 

Family Letters — Letters to other Friends. 

The letters, from which the following passages are taken 
were addressed to her brother, or brother and sister conjoin- 
ed. Along with the manifestation of warm sisterly feeling, 
they show a predominance of spiritual views, and may be 
read as a specimen of desirable family correspondence. 
They exhibit acquaintance with the human heart, and a 
quick perception of the dangers to which the Christian is 
exposed in the world, as well as of the duties devolving 
on him. 

" July 12, 1S28. How easy it is to wander from God, 
and to lose the vision of spiritual objects. How easy 
to nourish indolence and all the evil propensities of an 
unbelieving heart. How easy to grow cold and negli- 
gent in duty. It is only to let ourselves alone, and re- 
main in a careless indecision, and it is done. If then 
we would have true elevation of Christian character, if 
we would have clear evidence of our adoption into the 
spiritual family, if we would have that hope which is as 
an anchor to the soul, in life and in death, we must take 
care of our hearts daily ; we must be watchful in little 
things, as well as in great ones. Little things make up 



MEMOIR. 



167 



the larger part of our lives, and affect proportionally the 
formation of our character." 

" Jan. 18, 1829. Let this year be a year of watchful- 
ness over our hearts, as well as over our outward conduct. 
Let us be more humble, more amiable, more forgiving, 
more pitiful, more prayerful. Let us find out more of the 
true secret of living by faith, and letting our light shine 
before the world. Let us not be fearful of appearing sin- 
gular in our attachment to the cause of Christ. We 
ought to glory in the cross. O let us seek after more 
heart-work. God will help us, and we shall find out the 
meaning of that blessed text, ' The secret of the Lord is 
with them that fear Mm.' " 

" Feb. 22, 1839. It is a course of every-day watchful- 
ness, and prayerfulness, and duty, that will mould us into 
the divine image ; and when this is attained, happiness 
and glory will succeed." 

" May 12. When we get a view of our Saviour 
and his wonderful love, manifested in the unparalleled 
sufferings of the garden and the cross, oh how desirable 
is it to keep that view — to be influenced by it in our daily 
deportment. This would be living above the world ; this 
would be living by faith in the Son of God. How little 
holiness is there in Christians. Will not many fail at last 
of entering heaven, whose profession is quite credible to 
a cursory observer ? There is to me hardly another con- 
sideration of so startling a nature as this ; I often tremble 
before it." 

" Jan. 11, 1832. Accept my best wishes at the open- 
ing of a new year. May this, indeed, be among the hap- 



168 MEMOIR. 

piest you have ever spent ; and may it likewise be one of 
increased usefulness and devotedness to our Saviour's 
cause. 

" The death of Mr. Mitchell, [her former pastor at Nor- 
wich,] was very unexpected to us. We feel it much. 
How many ministers are cut off before they attain to full 
age. I often think, what are now their employments, that 
they should be thus early snatched away from usefulness 
in this world, where there is so much to be done. The 
only relief from such perplexing considerations is in the 
fact, that He who surveys alike the invisible and the visi- 
ble, sees it fitting. What a clearing up of mysteries will 
there be in heaven." 

" March 28. [To Miss C, shortly to be married 
to her brother.] My dear Miss C. The anticipated 
connection between yourself and my beloved brother 
which is so near its consummation, makes me feel it 
proper to address to you a few lines. We have doubtless 
felt an interest in each other already through a com- 
mon medium. We are now hoping soon to have super- 
added that personal acquaintance which will cement our 
regard and perpetuate it. It would give my sister and 
myself, with our husbands, no common satisfaction to be at 
N. B. on the evening of the third of April ; but various 
circumstances prevent; chiefly, the distance, and the 
earliness of the season, which makes travelling less pleas- 
ant. 

" Although not present, be assured we shall feel a very 
lively interest in the transactions of the occasion ; not 
merely in their relation to the hour in which they tran- 
spire, but principally, as they relate to the future life of 
both yourself and our dear brother, and to the things of 
another world. In this view, how important is the step 



MEMOIR. 169 

now to be taken. May it result in the happiness and use- 
fulness of each, and be for the honor of God. We de- 
light to think that you are interested in the same great 
objects which we hope take deepest hold of our hearts — - 
that both you and we have embraced the same Saviour — 
feel ourselves pledged to the same cause, and are living 
for the same heaven. This, surely, will lay a solid foun- 
dation for our loving each other. May our affection be 
strong, and never know abatement." 

" Sept. 27. Dear brother and sister, — We are happy 
to learn by your letter of this week, that you are quietly 
settled in your own house. I trust you have dedicated 
yourselves anew to the Lord, and besought his continual 
presence and blessing on the abode which you have en- 
tered. I cannot conceal from you, how anxious I am 
that you should be eminently devoted to God our Saviour, 
in your hearts, and in your lives. ' Seek first the king- 
dom of God and his righteousness, and all (necessary) 

things shall be added unto you.' May your 

house be a house of prayer, and of consulting the word 
of God, of frequent serious and holy meditation, and of 
that Christian cheerfulness, which, combined with other 
excellencies, commends religion to beholders." 

"Jan. 1, 1833. My dear brother,— Your letter of yes- 
terday brought the very pleasing tidings of the birth of a 
son. We all congratulate you and our dear sister on 
the reception of so precious a gift. What can you render 
to God for his goodness towards you ? May you both 
make a new and entire consecration of yourselves to Him, 
and present the little one also to be his, now and forever. 
We, too, have known the satisfaction of embracing a son, 
and of consecrating him to the Lord, and believe that He 
15* 



170 



MEMOIR. 



accepted our offering, removing it immediately to his 
presence May you have the happiness of watch- 
ing over the infancy, and training up to manhood this 
dear child, and see it expanding in intellect, and develop- 
ing such moral qualities as shall delight your hearts. 
May he emphatically be a blessing to his parents, the 
church, and the world. This will secure the grand result, 
eternal blessedness. 

" Perhaps it will be a satisfaction to you to know, that I 
shall often commend this little one to the Saviour. I early 
hastened to a throne of grace in thanksgiving and suppli- 
cation, when I heard it had entered this world of proba- 
tion ; and it will continue to occupy a place among those 
for whom I present daily petitions. The inheritance of 
grace I know you will esteem for it above ' thousands of 
gold and silver.' 

" May this be a ' Happy New Year' to us all. Let us 
try to do more for God this year, than ever before. How 
often our resolutions need to be renewed." 

"Nov. 14. It is a great thing so to live, as that we 
may have a reasonable prospect of going to heaven. It 
ought to make us tremble, to see so many at this time, 
who enjoy the privilege of being members of Christ's 
visible church, but who have seemingly only a name to 
live ; who are engrossed with their daily round of cares, 
and spend little time in prayer, and feel little for the sal- 
vation of their fellow-men, or for the progress of Christ's 
kingdom." 

" Sept. 14, 1834. Your letter has been received, con- 
taining the news of the birth of a daughter. . . . . . Ac- 
cept our warm congratulations on the joyous event. My 
prayer will be, that you may train this child for God, that 



MEMOIR. 171 

his grace may be upon it, and that it may be a blessing to 
you, and to the church of Christ. Then it will itself be 
blessed forever. 

" We have been favored with a visit from Drs. Reed 

and Matheson, — dined with them at Mr. B 's. They 

appeared delighted with finding themselves so surrounded 
with what reminded them of England. The house, they 
said, (ancient and venerable,) was built in English style. 
The garden and grounds around were more like England 
than any thing they had met before. After dinner, we 
visited the Federal Street church, to look at Whitfield's 
Monument, and descended into the vault beneath the pul- 
pit to view the existing remains of this favored servant of 
God, which have now reposed there in solemn stillness 
sixty-four years. The clergymen of the place being pres- 
ent, and numbers of the people having collected, religious 
exercises closed the scene. Short and sweet has been 
the visit of these friends." 

" March 30, 1835. I am much pleased with the ' Book 
for Parents.' The subject is important, and needs to be 
studied. We received, a few days since, from the pub- 
lisher, ' Daily Duties,' letters addressed to a clergyman's 
wife. By Mrs. Adams. I have been writing a notice of 
it for our paper." 

" May 13. It has been very trying to be sick under 
existing circumstances, [arrested by sickness on a jour- 
ney ;] but I have endeavored to receive this providential 
appointment as directed by unerring wisdom, and as un- 
doubtedly to result in good. We are not adequate to 
direct our own steps, and ought to be willing to be led by 
Him who never errs. 



172 



" Sept. 29. I hope, dear sister, you will experience a 
permanent benefit from the affliction with which you have 
been visited, in the death of your dear brother. A shade 
brought over the charms of earth, is often most salutary 

*n no " 



" Feb. 23, 1S36. Your own birth-day and mine, dear 
brother, are near together. If we ever attain heaven, we 
shall doubtless review these years and their many scenes, 
and their relation to eternity, with deeper emotion than 
we now feel. May the future witness us more and more 
earnestly pressing forward toward the mark for the prize 
of our high calling." 

"Oct. 17, 1836. I suppose, as usual, after all journey- 
ings, you return with pleasure to your home. What a 
glorious home will heaven be to every happy spirit that 
shall be brought thither ! Let us more sedulously culti- 
vate the temper and affections which shall fit us for its 
delightful society and employments." 

" March 21, 1S37. What are we doing as Christians? 
How can we be so content to see our friends and fellow- 
men pressing their way onward to the grave, without hope 
in Christ ? How much this world and its petty cares and 
interests engross us ! What shall we think of ourselves ? 
And in what condition shall we be on the great day of 
retribution 1 It is almost too much to think of, if 
so much did not depend on thinking and acting in refer- 
ence to it. Let us gird up the loins of our mind, and ad- 
dress ourselves to holiness of life. We must not be negli- 
gent in this great duty. We must make our calling and 
election sure, and do what we can to lead others to the 
same Saviour we have found." 



MEMOIR. 173 

" April 25 We have, indeed, fallen on days 

of perturbation and distress in the business world. A 
righteous retribution is coming on our pride, and spirit of 
daring speculation. — How are you succeeding in this 
time of trial ? Are you spending anxious days and rest- 
less nights, in apprehension of impending evil 1 Whether 
it be so or not, let us rejoice that ' the Lord reign- 
eth.' What confusion would be throughout the creation, 
if it were not so. 1 have hardly faith enough to keep 
myself in the quiet assurance that you can be wholly ex- 
empt from the general danger and general panic ; yet I 
am sure, should your barque ride out the storm safely, my 
heart will rejoice, giving praise unto God. I am, on the 
whole, comforted with the thought that the overruling 
hand of God is at work for the good of our land in the 
distress of these times. I trust that growing out of these 
evils, the benefit will ere long arise, that Christians at 
least will learn humility, and contentment with an ordi- 
nary blessing on ordinary means ; that the desire of riches 
gotten at any rate, will not be their ruling desire ; and 
that they will fear before the judgments of God, and re- 
turn to him with penitence, a willingness to live accord- 
ing to their means, or perhaps below them, and find their 
happiness in more substantial things ; in a word, that 
they will pass through these scenes, ' as seeing Him who 
is invisible,' and in prospect of the ultimate reckoning." 

" June 16 O the sad state of our country — 

of the world ! What sobriety of spirit becomes the Chris- 
tian. Our worldliness and sin are in every way rebuked. 
Whether we receive the chastisement and profit by it, is 
another question. Our closets should now bear witness 
for us ? that we are the people of God. O to be found 



174 M EMOIR. 

among the hidden ones, whose cry is regarded by the 
Hearer and Answerer of prayer." 

" July 19. Yesterday morning, when Willie felt 
very sick, he asked me, of his own accord, if I would 
not pray with him. How pleasant are all such indications 
of the Spirit's drawing on the hearts of children." 

" Jan. 2, 1838. My best wishes for you and yours, 
dear brother and sister, at the opening of the year ; in 
which I include a desire, that a kind Providence may 
give you so much temporal prosperity as will be safe for 
you, and consistent with your glorifying Him, in it and 
by it; and especially a desire for all spiritual blessings. 
These last you cannot possess too largely. Be encourag- 
ed to seek and strive for their descent also on your chil- 
dren. Let not the idea that they are so young, hinder your 
faith, and prayers, and labors to this end. Let not their 
volatility, or any developement of their native depravity, 
discourage you. Remember, that they are by nature sin- 
ners, and must be sanctified, or they cannot be objects of 
the divine complacency, however interesting they may be 
. to you and their other friends. Your responsibilities as 
parents are great; you cannot throw them off; you must 
therefore seek divine aid that you may duly meet them. 
I believe few parents (perhaps none) receive so great a 
benefit, as the early sanctification of their children, with- 
out great faithfulness in duty on their part. How rich is 
the blessing, when, in the season of childhood, is begun 
that work which is to ripen into everlasting life. 

" Yesterday was observed here as a day of prayer for 
the conversion of the world to Christ. Prayers and ad- 



MEMOIR. 175 

dresses occupied the day, and in the evening there was a 
discourse." 

" Jan. 26, 1839. Be assured I am not at all jealous of 
your want of brotherly interest. I have always thought, 
and still think, that there are few if any brothers that 
take so much interest in the welfare of their sisters, as 
you have ever manifested. Apart from self-interest, I 
consider this a fine trait of character wherever it is pos- 
sessed, and as indicative of many other existing excel- 
lencies." 

" Feb. 4. This is my third sitting down to write this 
letter, and I must hasten lest I be interrupted the fourth 
time. We have had callers most of the time since I com- 
menced it at 3 o'clock this afternoon, and it is now nearly 

7 in the evening I need to be stronger than I 

am, to take my part in the labors and responsibilities that 
devolve^on us, as well as to possess more of every Chris- 
tian grace. How sad is it, to live in this world on God's 
constant bounty, and be only cumberers of the ground. 
How anxious should we be to abound in usefulness, both 
to the bodies and souls of our fellow-men." 

" Dec. 31 . I seat myself to employ the fleeting mo- 
ments of a clusi?ig year in conversing with you 

In how many ways is God reminding us of the feeble 
hold we have on this mortal life. We have been uncom- 
monly visited in the remote branches of our family of late. 
May we so reflect on these things as to be profited. May 
our secret places of prayer witness for us, that we are 
faithful in seeking God, and in our preparation for heaven, 
whenever called to the close of life. 

"What fearful dispensations have been witnessed on 



176 MEMOIR. 

our coast of late. The funeral solemnities of eight 
persons, shipwrecked on Plumb Island, and washed 
ashore, were attended yesterday. The church was dense- 
ly crowded, and the occasion deeply solemn. I hope that 
this warning from the ocean will not be in vain." 

"Oct. 1, 1840. When the Lord permits any thing to 
afflict us, ' in mind, body, or estate,' he would that we 
should derive from it particular benefit. Who is there in 
this tempting, deceitful world, who does not need frequent 
purification from its defilements ? And what is better 
suited to perform this work, than trials 1 They make us 
look about us and within us. They remind us that earth 
is not an enduring satisfying portion, and that uncertainty 
attends all earthly good. And if, after they have done 
their work, we are again put in possession of quietude 
and prosperity, they prepare us for a higher and more 
rational enjoyment of future blessings. 

" Having been out considerably for a week or two, 
and exposed more than usual, I have been quite unwell. 
Indeed, I have had a pretty diligent summer. I hope I 
have been able to do some good, but how little compared 
with what there is to be done. I have been suspecting, 
for some time, that I might have an interruption of my 
health and activity, from the fact that I was enjoying so 
much. And if it has come, what have I to complain of? 
Nothing. Submission becomes me, as well as every 
creature, under the perfect government of a perfect God. 
While I am so desirous for the sanctification of others, 
He knows how to use means for mine. I pray I may not 
defeat so holy an end." 

" Nov. 1841. I find occasion now and always to 
sustain myself with high and exalted views of the govern- 



MEMOIR. 177 

ing providence of God, and to labor after entire satisfac- 
tion with the events transpiring and in prospect. If for a 
moment I remove from this foundation, I find my faith 
drooping, and I am sad. But while resting here, my 
spirit is light and joyful." 

" Jan. 4, 1842. The more I have to do with children, 
[she had now three under her care,] the more am I im- 
pressed with the responsibility of the parental relation, 
and the blessings which may be expected in connection 
with parental faithfulness. May we all be found faithful 
and successful. May all our children be the Lord's." 

" April 21. Dear brother and sister, labor for the 
sanctification of your children, as you would hope to look 
back upon life with satisfaction hereafter. Children need 
a great deal of counsel and encouragement to become 
pious. If they have this, with much prayer in their be- 
half, I believe their sanctification will ordinarily be early 
commenced. It will be one evidence of the hastening on 
of the latter-day glory of the church, when children, in 
large numbers, shall be seen flocking to Christ." 

" May 16. Your letter, informing us of dear Georgie's 
death, reached us on our return from church, and from 
the communion-table, where I had been endeavoring to 
remember him, and other dear ones, and petitioning that 
he, with them, might share in a Saviour's love. You had 
been expecting the event for some time ; but even that 
cannot much alleviate the pain. May you find solace in 
God." 

" June 13. Since the departure of your dear little one, 
does not heaven appear nearer, and more like a reality? 
16 



178 MEMOIR. 

Such impressions are healthful to the soul, and should be 
retained and cherished amidst the dangerous bustle of this 
busy ensnaring world." 

" Sept. 5. This is dear Julia's birth-day, completing 
her eighth year. O how I desire that the work of sancti- 
fication may now be begun in her heart ! What a tre- 
mendous thought it is, that every child has before it an 
eternal existence — of good or of evil. This is the truth, 
and we cannot evade it. There is nothing half-way under 
the government of God. O that our children may secure 
early, that good part which shall never be taken from 
them. All other interests and acquirements are as 
nothing, in comparison with this." 

" Dec. 26. What a variety of instrumentalities does 
God use, to draw our thoughts upward, and prepare us 
for another scene of things, in all his works, as well as in 
all his word, saying, ' Behold me ! Behold me ! ' It is 
important that we listen to this voice, and that we be 
often thinking of heaven, and contemplating its probable 
employments, that we may be fitted to attain its blessed- 
ness." 

" May 29, 1843. I keep thinking of dear departed 
Georgie, as though I must send love to him, (as well as to 
the rest.) But no; he is, I trust, on his course of high 
and holy education in the heavens. God can take care 
of little ones committed to him." 

" Aug. 21. Dear brother, having returned from our 
journey, I would give you some brief account of our ad- 
ventures, and particularly inform you that I ascended to 
the top of Mount Washington. We arrived at the White 



MEMOIR. 179 

Mountains on Saturday ; passed the Sabbath at the Notch 
House, where we had public worship, with the family and 
servants of the house, and a company of fellow visiters, in 
all, some twenty-five in number. I had not supposed it 
possible that I should ascend the mountains, never having 
been on a horse to ride more than twice in my life, and 
not at all for more than twenty-five years, and my nerves 
not having iron enough in their composition to justify my 
engaging in such enterprises. But so it was, I went. 
And surely it needs a sound head to look up these dizzy 
heights, and down these dizzy depths, and a nerve of no 
small firmness of texture to be perfectly quiet amidst such 
bold scenery, and such surrounding dangers. But when 
we had planted our feet on Mount Washington's top- 
stone, and looked forth from its towering eminence on 
the surrounding sea of mountains, we were recompensed 
for our perils and our pains. After refreshment, and an 
hour of feasting the eye with this grandest of prospects I 
had ever seen, our company, twelve in number, gathered 
into a circle, and sung the 117th Psalm, L. M., ' From 
all that dwell below the skies," &c. to the tune of Old 
Hundred. I felt like prostrating myself amid so many 
tokens of majesty, and found myself almost involuntarily 
exclaiming, in the words of the impassioned Massillon, 
' God alone is great ! ' We then gave a farewell look 
at the outspread scene and the objects which had so 
deeply interested us, and commenced our descent. After 
an absence of about eleven hours, we were again at our 
hotel. The fatigue and excitement were great, but I be- 
lieve none regretted they had been endured. God prepare 
us to dwell in the mount of his holiness, the mount Zion 
above ! " 

" Sept. 11. 'In the sweat of thy face/ was the original 



180 



MEMOIR. 



decree of Him who could not but frown on man's apos- 
tasy. And you and I must have our share in the weary 
inheritance, seeing we are partakers in the disobedience. 
But, without complaining, we will endeavor to ' make 
the curse a blessing prove.' If, by the varied toils and 
pains of life we can learn wisdom, and increase in 
humility and piety, so as not to fail of the unalloyed and 
enduring good of the higher inheritance, we shall have 
cause of eternal joy. We must try to keep heaven more 
in our eye, and think less of earth as our home." 

" Sept. 28. What a rush does our world present — 
what competitions and strifes ? Yet, amidst the whole, 
and by means of it, God, the universal Ruler, is carrying 
on his plans, and accomplishing his purposes, with in- 
finite composure and unerring certainty. We have only 
to pursue duty, and adhere to right principles, and we 
shall be on the track to eternal safety and happiness. 
What a government is that of God, — how secure is every 
interest in his hands ! " 

" Feb. 26, 1844. The anniversary of our dear sister 
Susan's departure to other scenes. How vividly are the 
circumstances of that scene, though sixteen years ago, still 
present to my mind. It was an instance of the sublimity 
of the Christian's dying-bed, — seeming rather an escape 
from mortality, than dying" 

"July 1. [The wedding of a colored girl who had 
lived with her.] Dear sister, I have not seen the bride 
since receiving your letter, to give her your congratula- 
tions and present, but probably shall in the course of the 
day. She was married last Thursday evening, and we all 
attended. We had a very pleasant wedding. I should 



MEMOIR. 181 

think more than fifty were present. The bride was dres- 
sed in a thin white muslin, made tastefully, a white band 
around her head, white shoes and gloves, with the usual 
accompaniments of laces, ribbons, &c. All agreed that 
she looked very prettily. According to appearances, she 
has done remarkably well in the choice of a husband ; 
and I hope it will be for their mutual happiness." 

To the foregoing may be added extracts from Letters, 
written at various times, to her eldest adopted daughter. 
Those letters, entirely unlabored, are flowing and easy, 
sprightly and abounding in expressions of the tenderest 
affection. The prudential maxims contained in them 
might be quoted, and the whole manner and spirit of 
them would be considered an agreeable model of this 
kind of writing. Of the religious breathings which per- 
vade them, the following may be taken as specimens. 
The first, without date, is designed for encouragement. 

" My dear child, — Do not let us too much regret the 
past. Let us rather endeavor to improve by the expe- 
rience we have had, and enjoy the many blessings we still 
possess. Let us take such a view of them as shall show 
our thankfulness, so that our heavenly Father may con- 
tinue them to us. We may grieve his love, if we over- 
look them. We must try not to be selfish. Selfishness 
is the sin of our nature ; and O how much trouble does it 
cause the Christian, before it is entirely subdued. But 
Christ can help us. I rejoice that you are not left without 
some consolation from your dear Saviour. 

< In every dark, distressful hour, 
When sin and Satan join their power, 
Let this dear hope repel the dart, 
That Jesus bears us on his heart.' 
16 * 



182 MEMOIR. 

11 Let us comfort ourselves with this thought, — If He be 
for us, who can be against us ? He cares for the feeblest 
of his flock. You ask me to pray for you. This I cannot 
help doing. My devout aspirations are, that you may be 
devoted to God's service, and made happy both here and 
forever." 

" July 9, 1840. How anxious ought we to be, con- 
stantly to grow in grace ; and to this end we must do 
many little things, as well as great ones, and watch 
against sin in every particular. ... I have read con- 
siderable since you left, and have been thinking much of 
the conversion of the world. You and I must do more to 
help on this great work, or we shall be ashamed in 
heaven, if we ever get there." 

" March 25, 1841. [Referring to the death of Rev. 
William Bradford Homer.] Heaven is' constantly re- 
ceiving the best of earth's inhabitants. How happy must 
the place, the society, the employments be ! How careful 
should we be to cultivate those dispositions, and those 
only, which will prepare us to join the glorious company, 
and enter, with all the vigor of renovated powers, into 
that blessed world." 

" April 30, 1842. [Referring to a child apprehended 
near death] We trust we shall have your united prayers, 
that, through the peace-speaking blood of atonement, and 
the sanctifying influences of the Spirit, he may be ac- 
cepted, and placed among the millions of ransomed in- 
fants, which, we believe, compose so large a part of the 
family of heaven. I hope you will feel easy about me. 
Remember Dr. Watts's lines, 

' The poisoned air 
Grows pure, if Israel's God be there.' *' 



MEMOIR. 183 

" June 24, 1842. I hope you are in safety, and I 
know you are in the hands of God, and that He watches 
to do you good. And I do hope you are endeavoring to 
serve him, and are trying to keep your heart in his fear." 

" July 3, 1843. My prayer ascends for you oftencr 
than daily. Your health and happiness lie very near my 
heart. In the confidence of faith I would commend you 
entirely to God. I hope your own heart is daily towards 
him. Every intimation of your love and service of him, 
rejoices me more than I can well express. Of all acqui- 
sitions, that of growth in grace is most desirable. May 
it be yours ! " 

" June 16, 1844. He that searcheth the heart, knows 
how much I love you all, and how earnestly I long after 
you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. I can never rest 
satisfied till I have a comfortable evidence that every one 
of you is ' born again.'" 



The following lines were transcribed by her, as ex- 
pressive of the sentiment which she wished her household 
to feel : 

** Saviour, didst thou die for me ? 
Then how holy should I be ! 
Consecrate be every power, 
Every moment, every hour. 
With thy presence fill my heart; 
Never from the place depart. 
Wheresoe'er my path shall lead, 
Or amid what scenes I tread, 
Let thy Spirit's radiant light 
Guard me, guide me, keep me right 



184 MEMOIR. 

Let thy kingdom's progress be 
My supreme felicity, 
Till I heavenly bliss attain, 
With my Saviour God to reign.' 



The following extracts are of a miscellaneous char- 
acter. They seem proper to be inserted, as a carrying out 
of the general view thus far presented. 

To a friend on the danger of cherishing false religious 
hope. 

"Nov. 18, L829. While rejoicing in the good work 
which is now in progress among you, the thought crosses 
my mind, that it is possible that some may only run well 
for a time, and then (painful possibility) lose their inter- 
est in spiritual things, return to earth as their portion, dis- 
honor their Saviour, miss of heaven, and perish forever ! 
Oh how careful should beginners in religion be, to build 
on the only sure and abiding foundation ; how careful that 
their repentance, their faith, their love, their devotedness 
to their Saviour, be genuine and true, such as will lead to 
a uniform, consistent, and holy life, with perseverance 
unto the end. Forgive me if I seem to have too much 
solicitude on this subject. I have been somewhat con- 
nected with scenes of this kind. I have witnessed many 
who have run well, and the end of whose race has been 
undoubted happiness and glory. But some have failed, 
have fallen. And oh the pang of grief that is felt at such 
a result ! the dishonor that is brought on Christ and his 
cause ! the triumph of the enemies of the cross ! " 



MEMOIR. 185 

" July 5, 1832. We have fallen on days in which sins 
and judgments abound. [Referring to the Asiatic Cholera, 
which was then spreading in our country.] But we have not 
come to a time when the Lord ceases to reign. Let us be 
thankful for this. — I wish to be perfectly calm amidst the 
alarming considerations which present themselves at this 
time. Whether I shall be able to do so, in case the evil 
comes near, I do not know. But I pray God, that, of his 
infinite and unmerited mercy, he will grant me this state 
of mind ; for, in my case — with my natural temperament 

— it must come from Him or not exist at all 

That this dreadful scourge takes so extensively from the 
ranks of the intemperate and dissipated, is a very appall- 
ing consideration to my mind. Oh how will the eternal 
world of wretchedness and despair receive an accession' 
to its wo, from this desolating judgment ! " 

To a friend in affliction by the loss of a sister. 

" Nov. 19, 1832. There is a sweet though melancholy 
pleasure, in respect to dear departed ones, in reflecting 
that we have had so much in possession to lose. Our 
griefs are thus assuaged at the very fountain whence 

they spring How delightful is the thought, that 

our pious friends, by passing through the gate of death, 
do not cease to exist, or to serve God, but ' enter into life 
eternal,' and into a high and perfect service, employing all 
their powers to the noblest ends, and filling all their capaci- 
ties with the purest bliss. The apostle says, ' Let us 
labor, that whether present or absent we may be accepted 
of him' — signifying that it is of little consequence wheth- 
er we are in this world or another, if only we are accept- 
ed of the Lord," 



186 MEMOIR. 

To another friend, some time after the death of a 
sister. 

" July 23, 1840. Dear M. A. The subject alluded 
to, that of spiritual intercourse between earth and heaven, 
is suited to remind you and myself of the dear ones who 
have left us for a better abode. Are they not sent forth, 
sometimes, at least, as ministering spirits to us, and do 
they not, in a high and holy manner, sympathize with us 
in our joys and sorrows? Not, indeed, in such a manner 
as to interrupt the bliss of their heavenly life, but in such 
a manner as brings the powers of that life into high ac- 
tivity. We will not stop to speculate how it is ; only I 
think we may suppose in some teat/, they know and feel 
concerning us. Have you ever read ' Taylor's Theory 
of Another Life 1 ' If you are fond of looking at theories, 
and weighing opinions, you would feel interested in the 
perusal of this book. But, at least, of the departed in 
Jesus, we can say this, that they are entirely free from 
sin, and have the presence of God and the Lamb, and are 
in the society of the perfect. Here we will pause, and 
leave them to their felicity, and return to our duties as in- 
habitants of earth. Let us live, honoring our Saviour, 
and preparing to join the glorious company ! " 

" Sept. 9, 1840. We had a great Whig day here on 
the 28th ultimo. Oh that our hopes and expectations may 
be above these inferior means, and that He that reigneth 
supreme may choose our rulers, and especially our chief 
magistrate for us, in mercy. ." 

" April 28, 1843. There is so much stir and turmoil 
at the present day in matters of religion, that ' a retreat 
to the foundations of our faith' seems very necessary to 



MEMOIR. 187 

keep the mind calm and steadfast. We need to find what 
is sure footing, in distinction from the unstable sea of 
conjecture and wild speculation. Modesty in opinions 
is at present not a very popular virtue — still it is a virtue, 
and thus both you and I esteem it." 

"Sept. 11, 1843. What a mixed scene is constantly 
presenting itself in our world. We have recently been 
called to pause, and look at the ravages of the ' merciless 
destroyer' on the fair form of our friend and brother Fran- 
cis V. Pike. The community are deeply solemn in view 
of this sudden death of one so recently among us in the 
vigor of life. His unassuming manners, his urbanity, his 
sweet and lovely disposition and unfeigned piety, rise be- 
fore us with new lustre, in connection with his departure. 
His sermons were ever particularly interesting to me — 
chastely written, spiritual, instructive. Oh that some 
spiritual blessing might arise from this dispensation. 
How insignificant is much that interests and agitates us 
here ! When standing by the death-bed of a Christian 
friend, and looking almost into heaven, the things of faith 
rush upon our vision with a measure of their power, and 
we feel, for the time, their salutary influence. But how 
soon again earth solicits and allures — and, alas ! too often 
prevails." 

The following extract from a letter written a little more 
than six months before her decease, will show the state of 
mind with which, unconsciously, she was approaching the 
end of her earthly course. 

"May 18, 1844. You advert to the altered state of 
our family, and to the increased demands it must bring 
upon my time, &c As you suppose, my reading 





188 MEMOIR. 

is considerably abridged, though my appetite for it re- 
mains the same; and, it being thus, I devote leisure mo- 
ments to that favorite employment, and thus try to keep 
along with the times as much as I can. But it seems to 
me that I can do nothing precisely as I used to do, be- 
cause duties and events come so near together, and press 
so much on my time and attention. Repose seems an 
exotic, hard to come at, and difficult to preserve — a plant 
that will not flourish in my enclosure. But I must not 
further trespass on your sympathies. 

" I regret to know the increased weakness of your eyes, 
and that doubts and difficulties oppress your mind. What 
a wonderful mercy it is, that the rays of hope and conso- 
lation ever reach our wintry hearts in this distant position 
which we occupy, so far from the great central fountain of 
light and joy ! But on this subject I must hardly begin 
to speak, for fear that I shall transcend all bounds, if I 
give utterance to all I think and feel. Let me, however, 
exhort you, and myself, to keep the eye of faith in the 
right direction, and earnestly and continually cry for a 
supply of our deep necessities." — Having alluded to the 
then recent death of several missionaries, she adds, "I 
want to talk with you about the whole missionary enter- 
prise, as well as other benevolent operations. What is to 
become of them in such poor hands as the present race of 
Christians? Shall we shortly have a baptism of the 
Holy Ghost, which shall arouse the dormant energies of 
the Christian church at large, and lay every thing under 
contribution to carry forward the kingdom of our Lord ? 
' Worthy is the Lamb that was slain ! ' " 



CHAPTER XII. 

Her last Sickness and Death — Her Character — Tributes to her Memory. 

It has been already remarked that Mrs. Dimmick had 
never one of the firmest of constitutions. In her earliest 
years, she had moreover some sicknesses which proba- 
bly left their effects behind. As she herself said, a year 
or two before her death, " I have, I suppose, ever felt 
the consequences of the feverish attacks which succes- 
sively visited me in childhood." As she passed on in 
life, the activity of her mind, and her strong sympathy 
with occurring events, were sometimes more than her 
physical nature was well able to endure. This fact is 
brought to view by a remark of her own respecting the 
advice of one of her physicians : "He seemed to think it 
important that I should avoid severe trials of feeling ; a 
prescription," she adds, " very difficult for me to follow." 

During the latter years of her life, and particularly 
after the fever with which she was visited in 1831, she 
became subject to severe attacks of illness, which increas- 
ed in frequency. About three months before her death 
there were manifestations of permanent disease. The 
malady which afflicted her was, in general terms, a liver 
complaint ; a malady discouraging and disheartening, 
17 



190 MEMOIR. 

above most others ; attended, usually, if not with the 
acutest pain, yet with a high degree of more general suf- 
fering and distress. 

Life is a blessing ; it is sweet. Mrs. Dimmick felt that 
she had yet much for which to desire to live. In her 
family, and in the community, were blessings which, if 
she might, she would like still to enjoy ; were duties 
which, if permitted, she would highly delight still to per- 
form. The preservation of life, too, as far as practicable, 
is a most sacred duty — not to mention the instinctive 
shrinking which every sensitive mind feels at the dark 
scenes of dissolution. Under all these views, she made a 
strong effort for life ; her prevailing apprehensions being, 
at the same time, in the other direction. 

Early in September, she accompanied her husband to 
Andover, at the anniversary of the Theological Semi- 
nary. She felt but little interest in going ; but consented 
in hope that the ride might be beneficial. She admired 
intellect, and during some of the more brilliant perform- 
ances of the anniversary, she forgot herself, and entered 
into the scene, as on former occasions. In some inter- 
views with friends, the case was the same ; yet the feeling 
of illness was too deep to be permanently beguiled. She 
returned without benefit. 

With the highest regard for the medical faculty of her 
own place, and the highest confidence in their skill — a 
regard and confidence fully concurred in by her husband 
and friends — it was still thought that it would afford sat- 
isfaction to add to their advice that of some eminent prac- 
titioner in the metropolis. She was absent a fortnight for 
this purpose. A few brief passages from letters written 
to her husband during this absence — he having been 
obliged to return to his parochial duties — will show her 
views and feelings at that time. 



MEMOIR. 191 

" Oct. 12, 1844 I was glad to hear that you 

got home safely, and that all are well. Your first inquiry 
will be to know how I am. I wish I had something more 
favorable to say, than I have. I do not know that any 
thing yet appears of a decidedly favorable character. My 

difficulties seem hard to give way Oh to be well, 

and at home, and at the work I love. But I must not 
have one rebellious thought. I have had much sweet en- 
joyment of life, even amidst its perplexities and trials ; 
and how proper it is that I should now meekly drink of 
the bitter cup put into my hands. But how much faith 

do I need in my present situation Thanks, dear 

H. for your note, so full of affection. Do not be too 
anxious about me — it will all be right." 

"Oct. 14 And what have I to report to you? 

Verily I know not that there is any thing of a specially 

encouraging nature to say If I could see you 

all daily, how pleasant it would be. But this very trial 
[of absence from home under such circumstances], is a 
part of the discipline I need in passing through the wil- 
derness. I have become entangled in some of its thick- 
ets ; yet who can tell but I may be brought out, through 
the guidance of the Great Shepherd, and live yet longer 
to praise his name 1 Let us calmly leave it, satisfied that 

His heart is love Dear H., do not shed too many 

tears, nor repress any proper cheerfulness, on my account. 
You know it can do me no good, and I am probably in 
the way of duty in being here for the present." 

" Oct. 17 I wish I could tell you some- 
thing more encouraging. Physicians and friends think 
there may possibly be a shade of improvement. For my 
own part, it requires better eyes than mine to perceive 



192 



MEMOIR. 



that my health is in any degree improved. In some re- 
spects I am certainly not so well I hope the 

dear sisters are having a meeting to-day, and that I shall 
be remembered by them. ' Prayer ardent opens heaven.' " 

" Oct. 19 I do not wish to be too anxious 

about the continuance of this poor life ; yet to do our du- 
ty is of importance Do not any of you allow too 

frequent or sad thoughts of me, to interrupt your com- 
fort. I also will endeavor to be cheerful. By our mutual 
prayers, we may be able to call down blessings on each 
other, though we are all so unworthy to be heard. I 
must not write more. I was fatigued by my last. 
With much love to each, 

Your Catharine." 

This seems to have been the last time she used her pen. 
With this affectionate subscription, she laid it aside to 
rest forever. 

Very shortly after this she returned home. She return- 
ed without any benefit, nothing having been accomplished 
shedding any hope on the future. It was a trying hour. 
A great effort had failed. Her manner in these circum- 
stances was truly impressive — the calm dignity with 
which she took leave of her friends; the silent composure 
with which, as the carriage passed through the city, she 
looked out upon the moving crowds, and upon the open 
shops, full of activity and life ; and, at crossing the ferry, 
her brief survey, from the outer platform of the boat, of 
the shipping in the harbor, the distant ^eminences, and 
other prominent objects in that interesting panorama, and 
then taking her seat in the cabin, with an air seeming to 
say, it is done ! Manifestly, the absorbing thought in her 



MEMOIR. 193 

mind, through all this scene, was, that she was beholding 
these objects for the last time. Mentally she had said to 
them, farewell! No emotion was visible in her, though 
others could not suppress their tears. 

Returned to her home, gleams of hope Would still 
sometimes visit her mind, that, in some way, through the 
providence of God blessing the means, she should find 
relief, and life would be continued. She was often cheer- 
ful and like herself in conversation with friends. No 
medical prescription was declined, however painful or 
irksome. 

She rode out a short distance, two or three times, in 
pleasant weather, and the last time only about a week be- 
fore her departure. At this time, in getting into the car- 
riage she faltered and came near falling. " See ! " said 
she, <( I am growing weaker, and shall not be able to ride 
much more." All things were tending towards the close. 
About four days before her departure, there was a change. 
Ever quick to apprehend, she remarked at once, that she 
considered this the last stage of her disease — that her 
time had come. 

Death was now full before her. And to a sensitive na- 
ture like hers, the mere prospect of the pangs of dissolu- 
tion is formidable. It was so to her. She understood her 
own case with great clearness, and marked the progress 
of her disease — and now of her dissolution — with great 
precision. " We have all to die," she said to one of her 
attendants, " and this is it." No pin was taken from the 
tabernacle, but she knew of its removal — or cord loosened, 
but she understood whereto things were tending. The 
waters of Jordan, dark, and the waves swelling and angry, 
were distinctly in view. She feared, at first, that she 
could not meet the scene. Yet no murmur escaped her, 
17* 



194 MEMOIR. 

or expression of distrust. But it cost a struggle. There 
was a renewed flying for refuge to Him who had appoint- 
ed her the gloomy way — who, she believed, had been her 
God and Saviour, and would help her still. Nor was she 
deceived. There was a growing acquiescence and sweet- 
ness of disposition ; a delightful and childlike faith and 
confidence becoming hourly more manifest; till, at length, 
the fear was removed ; sweet peace and hope took its 
place ; and a measure of triumph closed the scene. She 
died understandingly. No lethargy, or stupor, came 
to her aid. She died eelievingly, and her faith brought 
her Peace. 

A few of the expressions which fell from her lips, may 
properly be added. Under severe distress she said, " I 
am afraid I shall not have patience to bear this to the 
end. 'Why are his chariot-wheels so long in coming?'" 
Does it seem desirable to you to depart ? it was said to 
her. " Yes," she replied ; " but I am afraid it is to get 
rid of suffering." I wish I could help you, it was added ; 
how can I ? " All the help I can have," she rejoined, 
" is heavenward." 

A little after, she repeated the line, " Short is the 
journey to the skies," but immediately added, " I fear 
sometimes it is going to be long." 

At the opening light of Sabbath morning, (the day at 
whose close she departed,) she directed her eye upward, 
her countenance kindling with peculiar animation : "Oh," 
said she, " what a Sabbath this is in heaven ! I long to 
get hold of it." Perhaps you will, it was said, get hold 
of something of it — meaning, will enjoy something of it 
here. She understood the remark of enjoying it there, 
and said, " Oh, not so soon as that," and added, " But I 



MEMOIR. 195 

must not be too anxious, or I shall be kept here a great 
while." 

When her husband was going forth to the duties of the 
sanctuary,* she said, with much strength and emphasis 
for one in her situation : " The Lord bless you this day, 
and bless your discourse to the people — by mild and gen- 
tle ways sanctifying it to the church. Ask their prayers, 
if you please, for me ; I need them. I have but one re- 
quest to make ; bright visions of my Saviour, and as 
speedy a departure to his presence as he can consistently 
give me, through the riches of his grace." 

Speaking again of her sufferings, she said, " Oh must 
I lie here and suffer ? My nature shrinks from suffering. 
If I could be dismissed at once, how desirable it would 
be ! " She continued, " I am afraid God has seen some- 
thing peculiarly out of the way in me as a Christian, that 
he has laid his hand so heavily on me ; and I am blind 
to it. What is it ? My friends have probably seen it 
plainer than I." Adding the lines from Mrs. Graham, 

" Only to me thy countenance show ; 
I ask no more the Jordan through." 

It was said to her, do you not know whom you have 
believed ? "I hope so," she replied. " I do not set my- 
self up, however, to be any uncommon Christian, either 
in life or in death. I am poor and imperfect." 



* It was one of the trying circumstances of the scene, that he was oblig- 
ed to be at all absent from her chamber. A coincidence had occurred, 
which was striking. That day was precisely twenty-five years from his 
ordination. He had, two or three weeks before, announced, that he would 
take some notice of the occasion, by a sort of Quarter-Century Ser- 
mon. The people were in expectation 3 and thinking that Mrs. Dimmick's 
continuance would yet be somewhat longer protracted, he took the time 
necessary for the public services of the day. 



196 MEMOIR. 

At another time she said, " If one could go into a 
sweet sleep, and wake up in all the happiness of heaven, 
how delightful it would be ! " And again of her suffer- 
ing, " If I am patient under it, my Saviour will be pleas- 
ed, won't he 1 the one I wish to please." 

At a moment of a little more than usual ease, as her 
husband was sitting beside her bed, she turned her eye 
toward him, and with a look and manner of peculiar in- 
terest and tenderness, said, " Won't you make haste and 
come to heaven ] " 

Waiting for her change, and feeling it near, she said, 
" I see a hand which none of you can see. I hear a 
voice which none of you can hear." Meaning, as she 
was understood, that she had a better perception of what 
was taking place, than any of us ; and added, 

" See the kind angels at the gates, 
Inviting us to come ; 
There Jesus, the Forerunner, waits, 
To welcome travellers home." 

Under some new sensations, indicating that dissolution 
was going forward — that the tabernacle was falling — she 
said, " It seems as though there was something more ac- 
complishing to encourage me ; and it must be borne to 
finish it." And shortly after, looking upward, " O bless- 
ed PROSPECT, THROUGH GRACE ! " 

She was fast sinking into the arms of death. " What 
makes it grow so dark ? " she said, though the lamps were 
still burning. A little after, " My eyes are cold ; I don't 
understand it, that they should be so cold." Let me put 
my hand gently over them, and see if it will not warm 
them a little; which was done. In a few moments, she 
said, " It seems to me there is a strange feeling in my 
fingers — something new." Shortly after, she was asked, 



MEMOIR. 197 

Do you suffer now ? She replied, " No ; except this 
strange feeling in my fingers, I am very comfortable." 
Nature was exhausted ; it struggled no more. She 
recognized, for an instant, her brother, and her husband, 
and, with a few faint and gentle gasps, the scene was 
closed. When all was still, it was twelve o'clock at night. 

Thus the sacred day, whose opening beams had awak- 
ened in her such aspirations for heaven, at its close, 
placed the freed spirit, as we trust, in the abodes of the 
blessed. 

" In vain my fancy strives to paint 
The moment after death'; 
The glories that surround a saint, 
When yielding up his breath." 



" The better days of life were ours, 
The worst can be but mine ; 
The sun that cheers, the storm that lours, 
Shall never more be thine." 

But brighter suns thy skies illume — 

The skies above thee now ; 
Where storm, nor cloud, shall ever come, 

Nor sin, nor fear of wo. 

There highest glories shine around, 
And music floats in every sound, 

Through all that spirit-land. 
Thy robe is light— thy heart is free ; 
The crystal stream, th' immortal tree — 

' Tis these regale thee now. 
Thou'st gained the Rest. The conquest's made; 
The Triumph's thine ; and ne'er shall fade 

The palm of victory in thy hand— 

The chaplet on thy brow ! 



1 98 MEMOIR. 

Mrs. Dimmick thought much of heaven. She thought 
of it, not merely as a place of repose, of rest ; but chiefly 
as a place, or state, for the higher developement of in- 
telligent natures. From the very first of her serious im- 
pressions, one of the things most prominent in her view 
was, that she had begun to be that conscious existence 
which was to continue through infinite duration. In her 
covenant with God, at her public profession of religion, 
her prayer was, " In the solemn moment of departure, 
give me an overcoming faith. In the judgment of the 
great day, may I be shielded and arrayed in the righteous- 
ness of Christ ; and have some humble part assigned 
me among those who are to enjoy the felicities of heaven, 
and sing for ever the wonders of redeeming love ; that 
the termination of my pilgrimage may be peace and un- 
fading glory." And so substantially in many pas- 
sages that flowed from her pen, as the reader has seen. 
All the lines of thought with her concentred and ter- 
minated in that higher and more glorious state of being. 
Her judgments, her plans, her movements, were regulat- 
ed with reference to it. It was before her as the goal of 
her being. As she herself expressed it, " How pure will 
be that joy when the soul finds itself free from all that has 
enslaved and encumbered it on earth ; its petty pleasures 
and trials forever dismissed and ended ; every barrier to 
its progress in knowledge and holiness removed ; and its 
capacity to receive and power to love correspondingly 
enlarged. Delightful vision ! Glorious state!" 

And has she not found it 1 Every one knows, indeed, 
the eagerness with which survivors desire a Heaven for 
their departed friends. The Christless, and even the 
vicious, are often confidently spoken of as in glory. But 
is there not something in the case before us, which lays 
the foundation for a better hope ? Judging on Christian 



MEMOIR. 199 

principles, may not the belief be indulged, that she has 
passed from this earthly to a heavenly existence ; that she 
is " before the throne ;" that she has " entered into the 
joy of her Lord ; " that 

" She sings 
To some new golden harp th' almighty deeds, 
The names, the honors, of her Saviour God, 
His cross, his grace, his victory, and his crown! " 

" 'Tis she, 'tis she ; 
Among the heavenly forms I see 
The kindred mind from fleshly bondage free. 
O how unlike the thing was lately seen, 
Groaning and panting on the bed, 
With ghastly air, and languished head ! " 

" The prisoner smiled to be released ; 

She felt her fetters loose, and mounted to her rest." 

So Christ speaks of those who love him : " Father, I will 
that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where 
I am ; that they may behold my glory which thou hast 
given me." And the Apostle : " For we know that if our 
earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a 
building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in 
the heavens." 



The character of Mrs. Dimmick will be sufficiently in- 
ferred from what has been exhibited in the preceding pages. 
She had a vigorous mind, quick and clear in its percep- 
tions, a prompt and yet generally accurate judgment, de- 
cision and energy. She was frank and open-hearted, not 
knowing the art of deception. She was affable, and 
easily accessible by all. " To know her intimately, was 



200 M EMOIR, 

to love her." In her attachments and friendships she 
was ardent and constant. The lines addressed to her by 
another, were descriptive of her own case : 

" Not one kind effort for my good 
My soul hath e'er forgot ; 
Not e'en one icish for health and peace, 
That I remember not." 

In religion her views were comprehensive and practical. 
The Doctrines of the Gospel, generally denominated Evan- 
gelical, took strong hold of her mind. She had exalted 
conceptions of God — of his greatness, power, wisdom, 
holiness, justice, goodness, and truth ; apprehending him 
as an infinite and eternal mind, all-perfect, blessed, and 
ever-present. She viewed the government of God, provi- 
dential and moral, as the safety of the universe, and mat- 
ter of the highest joy. To her eye, God was in all his 
works, and in all events, ordering and controlling, in his 
sovereignty, for the highest ultimate good of his creation. 
The moral law, addressing itself to the heart — a spiritual 
rule, taking cognizance of the thoughts and affections, of 
the secret motives and principles of life — was honorable 
and glorious in her esteem, and the standard of her judg- 
ments. This law, she viewed as reigning in heaven, and 
as needful to reign in all worlds, in order to their well-being. 

Estimated by this law, she saw that the race of man is 
fallen and lost. She felt the sad fact in her own case, 
and beheld evidences of it in the case of others. With 
her it was an abiding conviction respecting the race, 
that, unreclaimed by grace, " they are all gone aside ; 
they are all together become filthy ; there is none that 
doeth good, no not one ;" that all are by nature " alienated 
from the life of God," " under sin," " children of wrath" 
and " without hope." Hence the occasion for the gospel. 



MEMOIR. 201 

She believed in a Divine Saviour, who was " in the be- 
ginning with God, and was God," and " was made flesh 
and dwelt among us ;" and who is " over all God blessed 
forever." She believed in his atoning blood, viewing 
him as "the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the 
world," and the only Helper of all the ends of the earth. 
She believed in a Divine Sanctifier, who " takes of the 
things of Christ, and shows them unto men," and through 
whose silent but efficacious influence, men " must be born 
again," in order to see the kingdom of heaven. In her 
view, the salvation which the gospel has brought to the 
world is a " great salvation." In the Author of this sal- 
vation she placed her hope. His instructions were her 
light ; his atoning blood the cover to her sins ; his right- 
eousness the robe in which she expected to appear be- 
fore the throne, and at the marriage-supper of the Lamb. 
And this Gospel she viewed equally needful to others ; 
the only remedy for the ills with which the world is afflict- 
ed, and the only foundation of hope for the world to come. 

While she regarded thus the Doctrines of the Gospel, 
she connected with them the Duties appropriately grow- 
ing out of them. She held not the truth as an empty 
speculation. She had a benevolence which embraced the 
race of man ; and she desired the extension of the great 
remedy of Heaven's appointment throughout the world. 
She rejoiced in its success, and the blessings it con- 
fers ; and had a heart to feel for those whose sufferings 
are unredressed by its grace ; a heart, 

" which seeks another's pleasure, 
Not its own — denies itself, that others 
May enjoy ; whose chords so nicely tuned, that 
At the sound of misery or wo, which 
From the depths of human degradation 
Issues forth, vibrates sympathetic notes." 

18 



202 MEMOIR. 

She possessed livelier and deeper faith, than the gener- 
ality of Christians manifest. The themes of the Bible 
were to her eminently realities. In the promises she re- 
joiced ; at the terrors she trembled. Her life was a life 
of prayer ; not in form merely, but employing in this ser- 
vice the deep workings of her heart. She was observing 
of providences ; often repeating the aphorism of one of 
the old writers on this subject : " He that will observe 
providences, shall never want providences to observe." 
She carried into her religion her native decision of char- 
acter. The current of an hour did not move her from 
her position. She had her fixed principles ; and to them 
she adhered, and would make any sacrifice, rather than 
seem to deny or forget the truth or cause of her Saviour. 
She had high views of the Christian profession, and aim- 
ed at consistency of life as a disciple of Jesus ; studied to 
understand what is becoming in one in such a position, 
and endeavored to maintain it in her practice. She was 
a cheerful Christian, nothing of gloom surrounding her. 
It was a sort of proverb, or golden sentence, with her, 
adopted from another : " Cheerful, without levity ; serious, 
without gloom.' 5 Her activity — always having an high 
object to live for, and always living for it — kept her 
mind in a healthful state. " I always," she said, " have 
my hands and heart full of employment." She loved the 
people in the midst of whom the providence of God had 
placed her. She loved them all. She felt a deep in- 
terest in the church; in its purity, in its peace, in its pro- 
gress. She had no separate interest of her own, which 
she set up as paramount to the welfare of Zion. Her 
station to her was no sinecure, which she held for per- 
sonal advantage, unmindful of the good of others. All 
that she had, and all that she was, she held subordinate 
to the grand interest of her Redeemer's kingdom ; for 



MEMOIR. 203 

which she felt it her duty, and her honor, to live ; and in 
living for which, as she did — she used up the resources ot 
her constitution, and passed away to her rest. 

It is the remark of a distinguished and successful 
clergyman, in one of our largest cities, speaking of 
the ministry, and its many labors, " No minister, in 
any of our cities or considerable towns, can, at this day, 
meet the claims of a people upon him, in the pulpit, and 
in pastoral offices, together with all public duties, and sus- 
tain himself through a protracted period, without shorten- 
ing his life." So a clergyman's wife can hardly be ex- 
pected to enter into the duties of her station, feeling her 
responsibilities, and sympathizing with all the interests 
with which she stands connected, without experiencing 
some tendencies to a like result. Upon a minister, and 
upon a minister's wife, every one has a claim ; and the 
aggregate claim of all, is often immensely greater, and 
more wearing, than any one imagines. " A minister's 
wife," said Mrs. Dimmick to a friend, soon after entering 
on the station, " needs to be every thing that is good, for 
every good thing almost is expected of her." 



After Mrs. Dimmick's departure, several friends, in 
letters of sympathy, expressed their estimate of her char- 
acter. A female friend bears testimony to her devoted- 
ness, as follows : 

" I have attended her to the cottages of the poor, 
and witnessed her kind endeavors to lead them to 
Him, l who giveth grace and glory.' I have called with 
her on the opulent and gay ; have entered with her the 
solemn inquiry meeting ; have heard her fervent appeals, 



204 MEMOIR. 

her urgent invitations to souls, to seek Him of whom 
Moses and all the prophets did write. Both before and 
after these calls, I have seen her bend before the mercy- 
seat, and humbly plead for the shedding forth of the 
Spirit upon all with whom she held intercourse. — Many 
good things have I known her to originate and devise, 
and thus employ her happy, versatile genius, in quicken- 
ing and drawing forth the gracious affections and ener- 
gies of God's children. " 

Vnother female acquaintance and friend says : 

" ' I mourn her, but I praise her not — 
Glory to God be given ! ' 

■ I have long considered this an appropriate motto in 
relation to the dead, whom we strongly loved. Yet per- 
haps it may not be amiss in me to make a remark in the 
present case ; and particularly in regard to what always 
struck me very forcibly in Mrs. Dimmick's character— I 
mean her vtrsatility — not partaking, in the remotest de- 
gree, of fickleness ; but the power of changing easily her 
occupation as occasions required, without being thrown 
into confusion or embarrassment. This trait has often 
impressed me. I have wondered at the degree in which 
she possessed it, and at what it enabled her to accomplish. 
While so much mental power was given to the canvassing 
of deeper subjects — so much to reading which required 
close application — while so many and various parochial 
concerns strongly engaged her mind and heart — while 
her family received its rightful and elevated share of her 
care and love — I have been surprised at her possession of 
so large a share of general useful knowledge — at her 
familiarity with works of intellectual taste and lighter 



MEMOIR. 205 

literature — at her unostentatious exhibition of much prac- 
tical taste in all the numerous and diverse concerns which 
came within the sphere of her action ; and all these 
simultaneously with due portions of polite and cordial at- 
tention to her friends and acquaintances. I have with 
equal admiration observed that real sympathizing sensi- 
bility, which was expanded to the utmost boundary of 
human suffering with which she was acquainted, and even 
associated itself yet more vigorously with the future, eter- 
nal destiny of all her race, whether known or strangers. 
Considering the delicacy of her physical constitution, I 
I have wondered that she could feel and accomplish so 
much." 

Another has observed : 

" In reflecting on her life, it has appeared to me, that, 
comparing it with others, it was distinguished for piety ; 
that her influence fell like the dew, noiseless, yet all-per- 
vading. She had, I think, a brilliant imagination, con- 
nected with a great deal of native heroism ; which last, 
however, was kept rather in check by a delicate constitu- 
tion, and a lively sense of what was lovely and feminine." 

In other letters are like passages. A young ministerial 
friend remarks, — " Shall we no more in this world be- 
hold the erect form, listen to the cheerful voice, or join 
in the sweet converse, of the firm, consistent, affectionate 
friend and Christian ?" 

Another friend observed : " You have, my dear sir, 
for many years, been eminently blessed in your ministe- 
rial labors, with the sympathy and co-operation of one, 
who, in no ordinary measure, afforded, in her whole life, 

18* 



206 MEMOIR. 

a full realization of the term ' help meet ' for a Christian 
minister." 

Another, a ministerial friend, remarked : " Few, very 
few, of her sex ; possessed such a combination of excellen- 
cies, especially for a minister's wife, as Mrs. Dimmick. 

Your heavenly Father loaned you one of his 

best gifts." 

One other testimony of this kind may be given. It is 
from a ministerial friend, who passed a Sabbath at her 
house, on exchange with her husband, the latter part of 
the summer of 1844 — about four months previous to her 
decease. 

" I could not fail," he says, " to observe the solemn 
stillness which pervaded her house during the whole Sab- 
bath; a stillness that comported beautifully with the 
spirit and the occupations of holy time. I was also im- 
pressed with her accurate knowledge of the wants which 
a preacher feels on the Sabbath. She appeared to know, 
without any intimation on my part, just when I needed 
solitude, and when society would be agreeable ; when I 
should be inclined to hear conversation, and when to con- 
verse myself. She knew how to anticipate my wishes, 
and to make the arrangements of her household conduce 
to the comfort of the preacher, and especially to his fit- 
ness for the services of the pulpit. In a hundred ways, 
each too minute to be specified, she gave evidence of the 
interest she took in the duties of the sacred profession, 
and of the thoughtfulness which she habitually exercised 
in regard to the proper performance of those duties. She 
could tell, when asked, on what themes it were best to 
preach, and from what discussions it were prudent to ab- 



MEMOIR. 207 

stain ; what incitements to duty were needed, and how it 
were advisable to administer reproof or consolation. 

" Nor was it merely for the parish with which she her- 
self was connected, that she manifested an intelligent and 
studious regard. She had evidently thought much of the 
general state of the churches, their dangers, hopes and 
prospects ; of the best methods for promoting the intel- 
lectual, moral and religious welfare of this and other 
lands. 

" She was a discreet woman in her speech, but hesitat- 
ed not to express her decided convictions, whenever the 
expression of them could be useful. In fact, she seemed 
to be a minister's wife ; to be living for the church of 
Christ ; to be watchful for opportunities of doing good ; 
to be a woman of deliberate judgment, of forethought, of 
wisdom, of constancy in friendship, of consistency in life, 
of a prudent, uniform and persevering zeal in the ser- 
vice of Him for whom she lived on earth, and in whose 
presence, I trust, she still lives and will abide forever. 

" I shall long remember her circumspection, good 
sense, and Christian kindness, as evinced in my interviews 
with her on the Sabbath alluded to ; and I hope that her 
example may for years to come be profitable to the church 
and community with which she was connected," 



Some more special tributes to the memory of Mrs 
Dimmick were offered soon after her departure. The fol- 
lowing was from the pen of Rev. William Allen, D. D., 
of Northampton. It appeared in the Boston Recorder 



208 MEMOIR. 

at the time, and is here slightly amended by the author's 
own hand. 

Ojv the Death of Mrs. Catharine M. Dimmick. 

[Mrs. Dimmick was the model of a minister's wife ; a cheerful, 
wise, unwearied toiler in the same good work, to which her compan- 
ion has long been devoted — that of promoting the kingdom of truth, 
and holiness, and charity on the earth. Her end was peace. In the 
following lines, a selfish, worldly, unbelieving, dying woman, may 
be regarded as uttering the 1st, 3d, 5th and 7th stanzas, as the lan- 
guage of unbelief and foreboding fear; and Mrs. Dimmick as ut- 
tering the 2d, 4th, 6tb, and Sth stanzas in response, as the language 
of faith, and triumph.] 

TO DIE. 

1. 

To die! 'tis thought of gloom! 
In solitary bark to leave the shore, 
And all earth's glorious things to see no more ; 

My harbor in the tomb ! 

2. 

To die ! 'tis thought of joy ! 
My guide-star Bethlehem's star of cloudless light, 
Unimaged wonders breaking on my sight; 

My haven in the sky ! 

3. 

To die ! 'tis fearful thought ! 
The shroud, the coffin, and the narrow bed ; 
To moulder into dust with all the dead ; 

To be a thing of nought ! 

4. 

To die! 'tis rapturous thought! 
The untrammell'd spirit mounting to a throne, 
(The crumbled frame built up at last,) life won, 

Pure, heavenly bliss, long sought! 



MEMOIR. 209 



To die ! mournful day ! 
Torn from the friends I love— from parent, child, 
From gladsome husband — every face that smiled ; 

To greedy worms a prey ! 

6. 

To die ! O glorious day ! 
To join the bright, blest company above, 
In Jesus' presence — with the God of love ; 

And there to dwell for aye ! 

7. 

To die ! O dreadful hour ! 
Probation's close, and yet my work undone ; 
The day of mercy o'er — heaven's good unwon ; 

Unsaved from evil power ! 



To die ! Most welcome hour ! 
My Saviour come ; the end of holy strife ; 
Pardon ! blood-bought reward ! the crown of life ! 

Sweet joys forevermore ! 



The following was from a highly esteemed female friend, 
between whom and Mrs. Dimmick there had been an early 
and continued friendship, and who, besides the lines com- 
municated speaks of Mrs. Dimmick in these words : " I 
have ever regarded her as the the best model of a minis- 
ter's wife within the circle of my acquaintance." 

I look to heaven, and joy to hail thee, 
Safe arrived at home. Possessed forever there 
Of a blessed mansion in thy Father's house 
Which love divine prepared, then made thee meet 
To dwell therein. Thou'lt add another note 
Of rapture to that song, in ecstacy now felt 



210 MEMOIR. 

By those who having wandered far 

From Him who made them, and that claimed their love, 

Have wept o'er sin, and in perfection full 

Known what it is to be redeemed and saved. 

The hands, that, pierced on Calvary, poured forth 
For thee atoning blood, tby woes have healed — 
Wiped from thine eyes all tears, and thou art blessed; 
Blest in release from all the cares and woes 
None fail to know who go from earth to heaven ; 
Blest in full vision of His face, whom when 
Unseen thou lovedst ; above all other blessings, 
Blest in the glorious likeness of thy God ! 

Many with joyous welcomings have hailed 

Thy coming, who, when here on earth enjoyed 

With thee the fellowship of saints. And now, 

Blest with restored communion, sweet and holy, 

Together ye shall look iuto the height, 

And length, and breadth, and depth, of love unmeasured, 

Which sought thee lost, and brought thee safely Home. 



The death of Mrs. Dimmick created a deep sensation 
in the community where she had resided. Her funeral 
was numerously attended, the church being filled with a 
deeply solemn assembly. The following lines, by a 
friend, allude to the scene. 

" Not lost, hut gone before." 

no, it cannot be, that this cold clay, 

Is all that was our friend ! That upturned eye, 

And marble hand, and closed, and livid lip, 

And this deep silence, tells that he, whose name 

Is the Destroyer, has been busy here, 

With his most fearful work. His hand has traced 

In characters most legible on this dear form, 

The lines of ruin, and the time has come, 



MEMOIR. 211 

When " dust to dust," must now be yielded up. 

Well — let it be so ! Grave, receive thy trust, 

We yield the casket to thy faithful care, 

Now that the precious gem it lately held, 

Has been secured ; and as our weeping eye 

Takes the last look, our earnest prayer shall be, 

Let us not murmur, but in faith go forth, 

And hide in earth's dark chambers, that alone 

O'er which the tyrant could have any power. 

But where's the gem ? where that immortal mind, 

Imperishable, and never dying — which so late 

Dwelt in this prison house ? Is it now reset 

In God's own diadem — shining forth above, 

Like some bright star of wondrous magnitude, 

Reflecting forth his praise, amid the ranks 

Of heavenly worshippers ? Is the spirit's place, 

In far off worlds, — or regions, so remote 

From our dark earth, that even not a ray 

From all its burning glory, can descend 

To light our darkness, or instruct our hearts 

About the joys of heaven ? Does death dissolve 

All ties of Christian fellowship, and break the chain 

Of holy union, making thus a void 

Between the church above — and that below ? 

Does the bright vision on the heavenly plains, 

The endless anthem, and the boundless bliss 

Of all the ransomed, so enchain the soul 

In untold rapture, that this speck of earth 

Has no attractions, and its dwellers seem 

As very nothingness ? Away the thought, 

My heart forbid its entrance ! well I know 

That she, who loved our Zion — she whose heart 

Was so devoted to her Master's cause — 

She, whose ardent prayers so often had gone forth 

In holy wrestling, and whose winning voice, 

So oft had plead with sinners, to repent 

And come to Jesus, cannot yet forget 

Her field of labor. Here, she toiled, 

And wore her life away, in hopes to raise 

Some plants for heaven ; and when her hopes 

Were oft defeated — and the hardened soul, 



212 MEMOIR. 

Turned from the Sun of righteousness, and went 

In paths not leading to the Saviour — the deep pang, 

Drank up her spirits, shook her feeble frame, 

And sank like daggers to her very heart. 

She feels that pang no more! But we believe, 

Her interest is not lessened. Though her will 

Is all absorbed in God's most holy will, 

Still she remembers Zion, and she waits 

An answer to her prayers ; and still 

Remembers those, who gathered once to ask 

The way to heaven, when the Spirit's voice 

Had spoken to their conscience, and their feet 

Had almost entered, on that narrow path, 

Which leads the traveller, onward — upward — home. 

Nor is that little nursery — the Sabbath School, 

Forgotten by its leader; well she loved, 

The lambs within that fold, and labored long 

For their salvation, and on them she placed 

Full many a towering hope ; she looked to see 

Them giving all their strength in future days 

To build the church of Christ ; and much she strove 

To write upon their memories, those living truths, 

Which God's own word had spoken — hoping yet to reap 

The harvest of her labor, and behold 

Those lambs as ransomed by a Saviour's blood. 

The Choir is not forgotten — those who lead 

In God's high praises. She had prayed 

Often and earnestly, that the tuneful band 

Whose music soothed her soul, might one day stand 

On Sion's mount, and strike a golden harp, 

And swell the song of victory, to Him 

Who died to save them, and who lives to bless. 

There 's no disruption of the sacred tie 

Of home affection; though around that hearth, 

Nor in that chamber, will her pleasant voice 

Be heard again, yet truly we believe 

That spirits freed from earth's incumbrances, 

And made all holy, do not burst away 

From right affections, which they cherished here. 

Death cannot touch the spirit, it but wrecks 

The mortal dwelling, that the unbound ?oul> 



MEMOIR. 213 

Free and unfettered, and enlarged, may act 

In its own sphere, and do a greater work, 

For God, and heaven, and souls, than it could do 

While here it lingered. She yet lives, and loves 

All those who loved the Saviour, and the household band, 

If found in Jesus, surely still may feel 

That they are not forgotten. 

* #- * * * v 

But see — the mournful crowd are gathering round, 
To take the farewell look ! Oh, could those lips 
Now sealed in silence, speak but one word more; 
One word to each — what would its import be ? 
* Remember — there's a world beyond the grave, 
Where we shall meet again ! ' God grant 
This parting scene be not In vain ! God grant 
His Holy Spirit now may come and bring 
The long sought blessing. May the hardened heart 
Repent, and break; and Christians, waking up 
From their long slumbers, feel again the fiame 
Of love and holy zeal ; and may this place, 
Jl Bochim now — be soon a place of praise, 
Where many ransomed ones shall come to raise 
Their Ebenezer— and a strain go forth, 
Reaching to heaven, so that seraph harps 
Shall love to join the melody, and she, 
The lately risen, shall bend down to catch 
The joyful tidings, from the angel bands 
Who watch on Zion, that in her loved field 
Of recent labor, sinners are redeemed — 
The Saviour honored — and the church of God 
Enlarged and purified. 



19 



214 MEMOIR. 



Over the grave of Mrs. Dimmick has been placed a 
handsome monument ; on the front of which is the in- 
scription following : 

MRS. CATHARINE M. DIMMICK, 

WIFE OF REV. L. F. DIMMICK, 

Born at Norwich, Conn., January 27, 1793 ; 

Deceased December 8, 1844, 

fit. 51. 

Faithful in the relations of life, and in the service of her Redeemer. 

This Monument is orected to her Memory by the Ladies of the North Church and 
Society, NewhuryporL 

On the left side, is the aspiration with which she en- 
tered upon the duties of the station she occupied ; 

" [1820.] I EARNESTLY IMPLORE GRACE TO MAINTAIN 
CONSTANT ACTIVITY IN THE SERVICE OF CHRIST." 

On the right side, the words she uttered a few hours 
before her departure; " [1S44, Dec. 8.] I have but 

ONE REQUEST TO MAKE ; BRIGHT VISIONS OF MY SAVIOUR, 
AND AS SPEEDY A DEPARTURE TO HIS PRESENCE AS HE 
CAN CONSISTENTLY GIVE ME, THROUGH THE RICHES OF 
HIS GRACE." 



